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Danube River Cruises

Glide along the gentle waters of the Danube, the heart and soul of Central Europe. These legendary waters flow through 10 countries, coursing through Germany, Austria and Hungary to the Black Sea. Our Danube River cruises deliver you to culture-rich banks, from scenic vineyards to spectacular monasteries and elegant cities that have inspired composers and writers for centuries. Find your inspiration on one of the Danube cruises below.

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Romantic Danube

Danube Waltz

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European Sojourn

NEW! Treasures of the Danube

Christmas on the Danube

Danube Christmas Delights

Highlights of the danube river.

A Danube River cruise unveils Europe’s rich and dramatic history. Glittering cultural capitals, lush vineyards, magnificent monasteries and endless scenic splendor line the river’s banks. Here are some sample highlights you will see with Viking:

• Enchanting Passau, set where three rivers meet
• Lush vineyards of the Wachau Valley
• The baroque splendor of Melk Abbey
• Vienna’s elegant architecture
• The splendid Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig
• Scenic beauty of the picturesque Danube Bend
• Budapest’s stunning Chain Bridge and Parliament Building
• Soaring cliffs of the scenic Iron Gate
• Romania’s rural culture and rich folklore
• Belgrade’s impressive Kalemegdan Fortress

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Danube River Cruises

Coursing through Germany, Austria, Hungary and seven other countries all the way to the Black Sea, the Danube is the soul of Central Europe. Join us along these culture-rich banks, whose scenic vineyards, ancient monasteries and elegant cities have inspired travelers for centuries.

Grand European Tour

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Romantic Danube

Danube Waltz

Passage to Eastern Europe

Capitals of Eastern Europe

European Sojourn

NEW! Treasures of the Danube

Christmas on the Danube

Danube Christmas Delights

Highlights of danube river cruises.

A Danube River cruise unveils Europe’s rich and dramatic history. Glittering cultural capitals, lush vineyards, magnificent monasteries and endless scenic splendor line the river’s banks. Here are some sample highlights you will see with Viking:

• Enchanting Passau, set where three rivers meet
• Lush vineyards of the Wachau Valley
• The baroque splendor of Melk Abbey
• Vienna’s elegant architecture
• The splendid Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig
• Scenic beauty of the picturesque Danube Bend
• Budapest’s stunning Chain Bridge and Parliament Building
• Soaring cliffs of the scenic Iron Gate
• Romania’s rural culture and rich folklore
• Belgrade’s impressive Kalemegdan Fortress

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

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Viking River Cruises’ Romantic Danube: How To Make The Most Of Every Stop

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River cruising is a popular way to get the ease and convenience of a cruise while enjoying a more intimate experience.

Viking River Cruises is one of the most recognized names in the industry, and we had the chance to take their eight-day Romantic Danube cruise in the wintertime. The cruise stops vary from year to year and season to season, but each version has stops in Germany, Austria, and Hungary.

During our trip, we wanted to indulge in one of our favorite travel hobbies: visiting different European Christmas markets . Not only did we immerse ourselves in many memorable Christmas markets, but we also explored some charming, beautiful, and historically important towns.

Viking River Cruises’ Romantic Danube offers so many different ways to optimize your time. Our experience was absolutely magical, and we wanted to share some suggestions for how to make the most of every stop on this unforgettable itinerary.

We were guests of Viking River Cruises on their Romantic Danube itinerary. All opinions expressed are our own and are based on our experiences.

Nuremberg, Germany

The Romantic Danube itinerary varies, sometimes beginning in Hungary and other times in Germany. The stops may vary slightly as well. But wherever your specific journey takes you along this beautiful river route, you’ll find a lot to explore.

Our itinerary began in the German city of Nuremberg . Steeped in World War II history, it witnessed the rise and fall of the Third Reich. History buffs can visit the Nazi Party Rally Grounds , the Nazi Documentation Center , and other historical sites.

But as the second-largest city in Bavaria (after Munich ), Nuremberg also has lots more to offer. The Old Town features beautiful half-timbered houses along with the medieval Imperial Castle . Art lovers can visit the home of German Renaissance artist Albrecht Durer , explore the Germanisches Nationalmuseum , and enjoy numerous art galleries around town.

The food is incredible in Nuremberg, so we recommend having at least one meal or hearty snack ashore. Don’t miss the city’s skinny German sausages served three to a roll or on a plate with sauerkraut or potato salad. Paired with a frosty local beer, it’s a perfect meal.

Stop by the open-air Hauptmarket in the city center for a colorful look at local produce, flowers, handmade gifts, and delicious food specialties. If you happen to be there during the holiday season , you’ll see the transformation of the Old Town into a winter wonderland where over 180 vendors make up the Christkindlesmarkt . Stalls display art, local products, handcrafted goods, and treats of the season. Glittering lights and fresh greenery enhance the festive atmosphere.

Regensburg, Germany

A well-preserved medieval city on the northern portion of the Danube River, Regensburg boasts some of the most interesting historic buildings in Bavaria.

The Altes Rathaus is a bright yellow building dating to the 1200s. The Thurn und Taxis Palace is the impressive residence of an aristocratic family that had amassed a fortune from postal operations in the early 1800s. During the holiday season, a Christmas market springs up on the castle grounds. The Porta Praetoria comprises the ruins of a gateway made of rough stone blocks dating to the 13th century. Neupfarrplatz, a Roman fortress built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, was later home to one of the first Jewish communities in Germany. The ornate German Gothic Saint Peter’s Cathedral is worth seeing, too. Walk across the Old Stone Bridge, a pedestrian walkway over the Danube, and then turn to see the colorful clock tower.

A UNESCO World Heritage site , Regensburg also has great food. The Historische Wurstkuchl , or Historic Sausage Kitchen, is 1,000 years old and the oldest sausage kitchen in Europe, maybe even in the world. If you have time, sit a while at the Weltenburger am Dom , a restaurant and brewery right next to the cathedral. Try the amazing schnitzel with a beer from Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest monastery brewery in the world.

Passau, Germany

Right on the Germany-Austria border, Passau is a picturesque city. It’s known as the City of Three Rivers, since it’s where the Danube, Ilz, and Inn Rivers come together. Something you won’t find in many other places is a wasserstand , a chart depicting high water marks from floods in the city center. It’s drawn on a wall of the old town hall as a reminder that while being at the confluence of three rivers may be beautiful, it is not without risks.

Art is important to Passau, with the city’s modern art museum and a unique glass museum containing more than 30,000 European pieces of art glass. Check out the fun Artists’ Alley, where cobblestones painted in bright colors line the streets and darling boutiques hold plenty of unique souvenirs.

Passau is home to one of the largest pipe organs in the world, with almost 18,000 pipes. It resides in the gorgeous baroque Saint Stephen’s Cathedral. If the timing is right, you could catch a concert for an unforgettable experience.

Modern pleasures in Passau include the Klostergarten, a contemporary park that is home to farmers markets and gardens. It lights up at night with dramatic lighting, water features, and choreographed fountain displays, perfect for enjoying on an evening stroll.

Melk, Austria

As the Romantic Danube cruise moves into Austria, you’ll spot the Melk Abbey standing grandly atop a hill overlooking the Danube. More than just an abbey, it’s a complex comprising seven courtyards, a beautiful church, and a library with over 90,000 volumes and rare manuscripts.

Melk is located in the Wachau Valley , where small towns and monasteries flourished during the Renaissance. The scenery is stunning. Several castles — including Schloss Schallaburg , Schloss Artstetten , and Schloss Schonbuhel — beg to be explored, and the ruins of other castles dot the landscape.

If you’re interested in local food and beverages like we are, the Wachau Valley is renowned for its apricots and wine. In addition to excellent wines made from grapes such as riesling and gruner veltliner, apricot wine, apricot dumplings, apricot cake, and some unique items made with saffron are also local specialties.

Krems is the town at the other end of the valley and is sometimes part of the Romantic Danube itinerary.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are so many things to see, do, and eat that you will not want to waste a moment of your time there.

We have to put the Viennese culinary culture at the top of our list. Famous desserts like sacher torte and apple strudel, gorgeous coffeehouses, incredible farmers markets, delicious street food, and a wide range of restaurants provide many opportunities to sample local delights. Most people don’t know that Vienna is also home to its own wine regions, making the local wine a great option to try.

Music is another highlight of Viennese culture. The City of Music has many venues from which to choose. The Musikverein , Vienna State Opera , Wiener Konzerthaus , and Schonbrunn Palace offer concerts featuring everything from the classical music of Mozart and Strauss to jazz, pop, and rock. There are also cafés, bars, and nightclubs offering food, drinks, and music in a more intimate setting.

World-renowned palaces like Schonbrunn and the Hofburg as well as sacred spaces like Saint Stephen’s Cathedral and Karlskirche impress with their magnificence.

Of course, Vienna also offers gorgeous Christmas markets in stunning venues like the City Hall, Belvedere Palace, Maria Theresien Square, and Schonbrunn Palace, among others.

Animal lovers can check out the elegant Lipizzaner stallions performing at the Spanish Riding School or visit Vienna’s Tiergarten , the oldest zoo in the world.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is actually three different cities: Buda and Obuda on the west side of the Danube  River and Pest on the east side. That only adds to the intrigue of this unique destination.

The quieter Buda side has hills and a funicular, which you can ride to the top for a panoramic view of the Pest side. The City Park is a lovely place to stroll, with botanical gardens, a municipal zoo, the Budapest circus, and a museum of agriculture. There’s also a huge timer containing sand that takes a year to go from the top to the bottom. It’s started all over again every New Year.

The Great Market Hall features three floors of local produce, prepared delicacies, crafts, and souvenirs. If you like to shop, be sure to stroll along Vaci and Kiraly Streets, pedestrian roads full of touristy joints as well as fun local shops and cafés.

Budapest has several spas and thermal baths in which you can relax while also getting your history fix; many of these structures have been around since Ottoman times.

Budapest also boasts several phenomenal holiday markets, including the Advent Feast at the Basilica , considered among the best Christmas markets in Europe.

The folks at Viking River Cruises know that the spectacular Hungarian Parliament Building is a vision at night. They generally provide an opportunity to see it while you’re on the water and make a picture-perfect memory to last a lifetime.

What To Know Before You Go

Viking River Cruises offers several excursions as well as a variety of add-ons. Be sure to take time before your departure to explore what interests you and book anything extra well in advance because space is often limited. While the ship is comfy, the service delightful, and the onboard activities lots of fun, be sure to get out and explore at every stop. There is so much awaiting you on your Romantic Danube journey.

Diana Laskaris and Sue Reddel are the Co-Founders of Food Travelist . They travel the world and find the best food every destination has to offer. They've tried it all. From Michelin starred fine restaurants to tasty street food on a stick. They hope to bring the world just a bit closer together by sharing a meal and learning about different cultures and ourselves through food and drink. They are both Certified Culinary Travel Professionals and frequent authors of articles about food & travel.

Viking River Cruises Romantic Danube - Detailed Daily Itinerary from Budapest to Nuremberg

Scenic cruise along the Danube is what European fairytales are made of. (© BIANCA BUSTOS-VELAZQUEZ)

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Well, this post is quite overdue. I wrote about our Viking River Cruises Romantic Danube trip with the intention of writing a whole series of posts about it. Alas, life.

Nonetheless, I replied (and continue to reply) to people who inquired about the excursions via email. And I thought, I have the responses already, people are still interested, I might as well continue with my original intentions.

This is not a sponsored post. This vacation and experiences were fully paid by yours truly, and in no part by Viking River Cruises or any third party.

The 8-day Danube river cruise through Hungary, Austria and Germany kicks off either in Budapest or Nuremberg. For us, we took the Budapest to Nuremberg itinerary aboard the Viking Tor ship. I have for you here all you need to know about the Romantic Danube cruise - a detailed itinerary for each day, shore excursions and optional excursions, what to be ready for, what to expect, and what the changes are beginning 2021.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

What to Know Before You Go

About the Viking Longship Tor

The food on the romantic danube, day 1 - arrival in budapest, day 2 - hungary: panoramic budapest excursion.

Day 3: Austria: Morning - Panoramic Vienna Excursion; Evening - Mozart and Strauss Concert

Day 4: Austria: Göttweig Abbey Excursion in Krems

Day 5: Germany: Docked in Passau with Bus Ride to Salzburg, Austria

Day 6: Germany: Regensburg Walking Tour

Day 7 - Germany: Nuremberg through History Tour

Day 8 - disembarking from nuremberg, what to know before you go.

A few weeks before your trip, you’ll receive a nice little travel bag containing your cruise documents, distinctive red leather Viking Cruises luggage tags, paper luggage tags with your stateroom number, plus your stickers that you put on yourself so that the guides picking you up from the airport can easily identify you.

Online, on MyVikingJourney.com , with your booking number, you’ll have your Viking account. And on there, you need to make sure all the document requirements are filled out. There is an excursion at every port, but you can also book optional excursions before the trip. Viking has so many offers - ie 2-for-1 prices, free air, free onboard credits - and with proper planning, you can surely wait to get all of them. There are plenty of these offers around throughout the year.

TIP #1: Use onboard credits for optional excursions

If you did get free onboard credits and want to use it for optional excursions., you should NOT book optional excursions BEFORE your trip. Otherwise, you pay for it. You can only use your onboard credits for excursions if you reserve your spot at the Reception Desk on the boat. Obviously, the benefit of reserving your spot before you go is that you are sure of the availability. When we embarked, all of the optional excursions were actually still available. So I’m glad that I waited to use my onboard credits for them.

TIP #2: paying for the VIKING air plus is worth it.

The main reason I went on a Viking River Cruise is because I wanted to go somewhere without doing all the planning. I like planning for trips and I would say I’m pretty good at it. But, for variety or if you’re strapped for time, it’s also good to be surprised. Now if you’re going on a cruise anyway, you might as well have them arrange air travel for you too. Viking Cruises has free air travel sales all the time. Definitely take advantage of that. Free air travel and a cruise booked way ahead can add up to a good chunk of savings.

Step aboard the Viking Tor - your home for 8 days on the Viking River Cruises Romantic Danube Tour

But what is Viking Air Plus ? If you include air travel to your cruise but don’t purchase Air Plus, they’ll book you the cheapest flights to get you to your port of origin city. This could mean a few too many layovers. So if you’re asking yourself, “is the Viking Air Plus worth it,” well, for an additional $50 to $150 per person (depending on the itinerary), you can work with a Viking Cruises travel agent to customize your entire air travel. And, if you want to use airline points for upgrading your free flight, they can arrange it for you.

You also don’t have to purchase Air Plus at the time you book your cruise. What happened with me is that I actually forgot about it. Then 2 months or so before the trip, when they sent me my air travel itinerary and I saw that our flights included 2 layovers and was basically almost 30 hours of travel, I called Viking immediately. I told them that that much travel is too much for my husband with limited mobility. So they were able to find and rebook us flights with only 1 layover, for a total of about only 15 hours of travel. I also was able to request to find us flights that will arrive in Budapest early-ish enough (1PM flight arrival, and after gathering everyone from the flight, on the boat by around 3PM), which was great because we saw some folks still boarding the boat while dinner service already was going on.

Grand staircase. Baby by cruise ship standards but so modern and minimal.

This lounge area leads to the Aquavit Terrace.

Good sized bathroom for a ship.

There’s an herb garden and mini golf.

Common Rooms on a Viking Longship.

I’ve only been on one cruise before this trip - an ocean cruise with thousands of people - and it was not really for me. It was from that experience that led me to Viking Cruises actually, because I did like the idea of a vacation all planned for me already, meals included, etc but I need it to be a lot less people, no kids would be best (I didn’t like it how kids were playing with the elevators on a huge ship!), geared towards slow travel, and focused on the sites we’re visiting rather than being a floating resort.

Here are the stats for the Viking Tor:

Staterooms: 95

Max number of guests: 190

Crew members: 50

Year built: 2013

The style is very Scandinavian, of course - modern, minimal, functional. The common rooms are comprised of the reception area - where the grand staircase, a little shop, a small library and business center are located, restaurant - where breakfast and dinner are served, lounge area - where there’s a bar and where they also hold some interesting lectures, the Aquavit terrace - where they also serve lunch, and the sun deck - where you should try to go whenever they say there’s a scenic sailing.

The stateroom is very comfortable. From my last cruise experience, the bathroom situation was really difficult, and it didn’t even try to make you feel like you’re not on a ship. On the Viking Tor, the bathroom felt like a small hotel bathroom, and the toiletries weren’t even travel size.

In your room, you’ll also find the audio receivers and earpieces that you’ll need during the walking tours. I couldn’t tell if they have extras in case you forget them during the tours as everyone was ready for it.

What can I say, as someone who loves to eat, well, the food onboard Viking Cruises is where I got my money’s worth. I exaggerate, you will get your money’s worth on the comfort and luxury, but a big portion on the food.

They really serve you local dishes. On the Romantic Danube, you will get to savor your favorite Hungarian, Austrian and German dishes. I am talking about goulash (which you’ll actually get to have the Hungarian and the Czech versions), Esterházy tortes and Sacher tortes, schnitzels! You’ll even get to have peach schnapps when you depart Austria.

And when they do depart a bit from the locale, it’s special nonetheless - I mean, I would never have expected chateaubriand to be served on a cruise ship. If you’re a vegetarian, there’s always an option for you.

The quality is top notch, with the wines to your liking. The service is impeccable too. You will get to know your servers and soon, they’ll even know what you like to drink.

TIP #3: Don’t forget to let them know of special occasions you’re celebrating.

They’ll give you a bottle of bubbly and have a little something on your dessert.

You’ll have options to eat at the Restaurant or the casual buffet style Aquavit Terrace. At the Restaurant, it’s always a 3 course meal dinner. There’s always coffee and tea available throughout the day. And of course, the bar is well stocked. They have pastries at the coffee / tea station as well, in case you get hungry between meals.

All that paprika on this Hungarian goulash - they also served Czech goulash in the evening.

Dessert during the scenic cruise from Visegrad.

One dinner menu. Everyone excited about the chateaubriand.

Chateaubriand perfection.

Sacher torte one evening in Austria.

Esterházy torte one evening in Budapest.

Little glasses of hot chocolate while cruising the Wachau Valley.

Sautèed Rainbow Trout.

Sample dinner menu #2.

It’s in the details! Let them know if you’re celebrating anything!

Taste of Germany dinner.

Bavarian dinner after a day in Regensburg.

Day 1 of the cruise is very much dependent on when your flight gets in! I only booked a post-cruise extension to Prague. I don’t know why in the world I did not include a pre-cruise extension to Budapest. I must not have had enough vacation or something to not have added this. So…

TIP #4: ADD BOTH THE PRE- AND POST- EXTENSIONS.

The Budapest extension is $399 per person for 2 nights while the Prague extension is $699 per person for 3 nights. Now that I think on it, if you have only the opportunity to book one extension, you’ll have a preference of what city to experience, but here’s another tip:

TIP #5: BETWEEN the pre- and post- extensions, the pre-extension is probably more worth it.

Here’s why I say so: Like I said, Day 1 of the actual river cruise is dependent when you get to the boat. If you’re already in the city, then you check-in to the river cruise early. They have lunch ready and they actually have an excursion on Day 1! Most people didn’t even get to join this on our cruise because most people were on the same flight as us that got in around 3PM.

If the pre-cruise extension is not viable, then consider adding the Viking Air Plus to at least try to find a flight that can get you in as early as you can. Here’s what’s planned on embarkation day:

11:30 AM - 3:00 PM: Embarkation buffet

1:30 - 3:00 PM: Welcome walk through historic heart of Budapest (I would’ve liked to join this one!)

3:30 - 5:00 PM: Cheese and Wine Tasting (do partake in this, especially if this is around the time you check in and did not get to have some buffet lunch because dinner is not for a few hours.)

5:30 - 7:00 PM: Cocktail hour

6:15 PM: Welcome Briefing and Port Talk - Viking Tor team introductions

7:00 PM: Dinner

8:00 - 10:00 PM: Scenic Evening Cruise (get your jackets and your tripods! Budapest is glorious at night! There’s a commentary from the program director which I found very useful.)

Every evening, you can cap the night off with music and drinks at the Lounge.

Hungarian Parliament Building during the Scenic Evening Cruise on the Danube. (© BIANCA BUSTOS-VELAZQUEZ)

Breakfast views on the Romantic Danube.

It’s the first full day on the ship and yes there is an itinerary for you but this is when I tell you, you do you!

TiP #6: You may feel you have to stick to everything on the itinerary, but you actually still have options.

Every night, you will be given the Viking Daily newsletter for tomorrow’s activities. You may think you should be at all of them. Perhaps you can. And though I would say Viking’s allure for us is its slower pace, it can actually still be hectic. So don’t feel the pressure or fear of missing out. I know I did. But after day 2 where I knew I was missing out anyway compared to our style of travel that does not involve packaged tours, I decided to just let go and yes prioritize the included and paid excursions, and then everything else is more like what I’m feeling for, which may be a nap.

Here’s the plan for the day, and I will now add the excursion experiences.

Three breakfast options!

6:00 - 11:00 AM - Café style; 6:30 - 9:30 AM - Continental breakfast; 6:30 - 9:00 AM - Buffet breakfast (We did the buffet breakfast everyday in the restaurant. I love bacon and eggs, and the eggs are so fresh, the yolk is orange.

08:00 - 12:30 PM: Panoramic Budapest . If you didn’t get to join the walking tour the previous day, or did not do any pre-tour extensions, this is your only time in Budapest. Here you’ll get to experience the highlights of the hilly Buda side and the flat Pest (pronounced Pesht my friends) side. You start on the Pest side, and that entire time on the bus actually. I really really needed to manage my expectations after this one because yes you drive through the National Opera House and Heroes’ Square and the Széchenyi Baths, but you don’t even get to see the baths. You’re on the bus looking at the yellow building, wishing you get to see the famed baths. This is why the pre-extension feels so important.

Our guide talked less about history and more about the dire economic situation of the city. We even drove through the part of town where embassies are, which I thought was nice because the buildings are very nice, but his talk here was more about the people in power staying in these palatial homes while most of the country is struggling. I like to know these truths of course. However, I’d say a balance between that and art, culture and history would have been nice because the tone of this part of the tour was very angry and somber.

You get off the bus on the Buda side. Not a lot of time here. After a guided mini tour inside the Matthias Church, it’s about one hour only to explore the Fishermen’s Bastion and surrounding areas. It is here where I learned that Hungary is the largest producer of paprika in the world! Make sure you buy some paprika because this is essential for when you make goulash at home - which I still do!

TIP #7: Though you’re pressed for time and there’s a lot of people, FEAR NOT and just be patient, there’s time for you to take the requisite fishermen’s bastion shots.

I’ve wanted that shot overlooking the parliament building, and it is doable. The crowds come in waves so you’ll definitely get that photo op.

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8:00 AM: Cast off . If you did not join the shore excursion, the ship sails from Budapest to Visegrád, where the shore excursion people will then join the ship.

12:15 PM: If you stayed on the ship, you have about 15 minutes in Visegrád.

12:30 PM: Lunch is served. We stayed in the restaurant for the goulash. But this is also one of the scenic cruises on the Danube Bend. So if you can enjoy the sit down lunch or enjoy the scenic cruise with buffet lunch at the Aquavit Terrace.

2:00 PM: Safety Instructions.

2:30 - 3:30 PM: Wheelhouse Tour. I found this very interesting actually. They talked about the locks that we would be going through. And I thought it’s very cool that the wheelhouse goes up and down if it needs to clear some bridges.

4:00 - 4:45 PM: Hungarian Teatime. I grabbed some pastries then took a nap, because I wanted to join what was next.

5:30 PM: Presentation: Austrian Coffee Houses. Learn about the coffee culture in Austria, which is very important. Thankfully from this talk, I was able to determine which coffee shop I wanted to go to in Vienna for the next day.

6:30 PM: A Toast to the Guests. Grab a bubbly.

6:45 PM: Port Talk about tomorrow’s plan.

7:00 PM: Welcome Dinner. This is the first time you’ll meet the Chef de Cuisine and the Maître d’ at the Restaurant. And yes, this is when they served the chateaubriand. A casual meal is also served on the Aquavit Terrace.

9:00 PM: Presentation: Mozart and Austrian Coffee Houses. In case you missed the afternoon one, but with additional information about the genius that is Mozart.

Day 3 - Austria: Morning Panoramic Vienna Excursion and Evening Mozart and Strauss Concert

This is a long day but you have such a variety of experiences. Here’s what’s planned for the day:

Exploring Vienna on our own.

6:00 - 11:00 AM - Café style; 6:30 - 9:30 AM - Continental breakfast; 7:00 - 9:00 AM - Buffet breakfast

9:00 AM: Arrival in Vienna

9:15 AM - 12:30 PM: Included shore excursions - Panoramic Vienna or Up Close Vienna. The Panoramic Vienna is high level walking tour, talking about Vienna’s architecture, the Hapsburgs, and riding along the Ringstrasse - the circular grand boulevard around the historic district of Vienna. The Up Close Vienna is also about Vienna’s architecture and history, but this time, taking the local underground transportation.

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM: Optional Excursion - Jewels of Vienna’s Ring.

12:30 PM: Lunch at the Restaurant or Aquavit Terrace.

2:00 - 5:30 PM: Optional excursions - Schönbrunn Palace or Behind the Scenes at the Lippizzaner Stallions. The Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most magnificent in the world, so in this one, you get to tour this UNESCO world heritage site, learn more about the Hapsburgs, and specifically, Maria Therese. For the visit to the Lippizzaner Stallions, you will get to learn about the Spanish Riding School, home of the famed Lippizzaner Stallions, tour the historic stables and learn about the equestrian tradition. After which, you get to witness the Viennese coffee culture at a traditional  kaffeehaus.

Tip #8: If your romantic danube cruise is in the summer, you won’t be seeing the stallions as they are at a different location every july and august.

5:30 - 7:00 PM: Cocktail Hour

Took a cab to Café Landtmann to experience Viennese coffee culture.

5:45 PM: Port Talk about tomorrow’s plan.

6:00 PM: First dinner seating at the Restaurant for those joining the optional concert excursion. 7:30 PM: Second dinner seating at the Restaurant or Aquavit Terrace if you’re not joining any optional excursions.

9:00 PM: Live music at the Lounge.

6:30 - 10:00 PM: Optional excursion - Heurigen Dinner. In this dinner, you get to join a classic dinner at a local vineyard and toast this year’s wine. Heuriger are the wine taverns in Austria and the spirit of  gemütlichkeit , or good cheer, is what is planned for your evening.

7:30 - 10:30 PM: Optional excursion - Classical Concert. What better way to see a Mozart and Strauss concert than in Vienna? The Vienna Residence Orchestra performs in a historic venue. And from the concert, you will have a scenic evening drive back to the ship.

10:00 PM: Late night snack. After the concert, since you did have an early dinner, you can enjoy some Gulaschsuppe at the terrace.

11:59 PM: Cast off as the shop leaves Vienna for Krems.

So that’s a lot planned for the day and it’s tour after tour after tour. So, I’d like to share what we did.

Capped of the evening with a Mozart and Strauss concert.

We joined the Panoramic Vienna tour, and that was a great way to get oriented with the city. I really prefer exploring cities on my own so I managed my expectations here for sure. Like I said, we’re big coffee fans and from the previous presentation, we learned that Café Landtmann , which has been around since 1873, is a classic Viennese coffee house where Freud used to hang out. So we did not join any tours in the afternoon. Instead, we took a cab to Café Landtmann and truly relaxed, enjoyed some Viennese coffee and cakes.

Tip #9: Be Fearless and veer off the itinerary. Make sure you take the card with the ship’s location from the reception so you can go back on your own time.

It was raining that day and I’m so glad that I didn’t pay for an optional excursion in the afternoon, and instead partook in the famed Viennese coffee culture on our own. We had a good amount of time walk on our own, shop a little, take a cab to the café, and take a cab back to the ship.

TIP #10: since you know when you’ll be in vienna, you may want to book café sacher in advance.

If I knew of the timing of things ahead of time, I would have booked a table at Café Sacher and enjoyed a Sachertorte where it was invented. Without a reservation, the lines are very long. So this is something I’m sure I’ll go back for. This and the Schönbrunn palace.

We even had enough time to rest and freshen up before the early dinner, and then we were off to the concert. You actually end up joining guests aboard different Viking ships, which I think makes sense for the company because the hall where the concert is held probably seats about 300 people, certainly more than how many people are on your ship. I’m also glad I picked this one as an optional excursion. Worth every penny. The performance brought me to tears.

Changes beginning 2021: There will be more time in Vienna because the ship won’t be docking at Nuremberg anymore. So, starting 2021, day 3 will actually include 2 privileged access tour options: Schönbrunn Palace and Vienna Boys’ Choir or Behind the Scenes at the Vienna Boys’ Choir where you will get to tour the boarding school of the Wiener Sängerknaben at Palais Augarten. Both of these include an exclusive performance. I’m so glad they added an excursion like this. When we did our walking tour, that’s what I was wondering about. The difference between these two is that the former is a combination of the latter and the Schönbrunn Palace excursion I mentioned earlier - so it’s a 6 hour tour.

Beginning 2021, you will have another day in Vienna. The Lippizaner stallions and the Mozart / Strauss concert will now be an excursion on Day 4. In addition, there are 2 new optional excursions on the 2nd day in Vienna: Historic Farmers’ Market Visit with the Viking Chef , where the Executive Chef will lead you through a tasting journey of the Naschmarkt, and Picturesque Bratislava , where you will travel to the capital of Slovakia.

I’m very much considering another Romantic Danube cruise because of these changes. I will likely do the Schönbrunn Palace and Vienna Boys’ Choir, and the Picturesque Bratislava excursions!

Day 4 - Austria: Göttweig Abbey Excursion in Krems

We now arrive at what I would say was my favorite day of the cruise. I think it’s because this day was the one that was exactly what I expected a Viking Cruise would be. Changes in 2021: This will be Day 5 instead of Day 4.

View this post on Instagram #Austria #biangtravels 8th anniversary on a hilltop church with the breathtaking view of Austria's Wachau Valley. ❤️ Göttweig Abbey, Stift Göttweig, Paudorf, Austria #GetThereGetLost @vikingcruises #myvikingstory A post shared by Bianca 👩🏻‍💻✈️📸📝🧡 (@gettheregetlost) on Sep 18, 2017 at 10:08am PDT

6:00 - 11:00 AM - Café style; 6:30 - 9:30 AM - Continental breakfast; 6:30 - 9:30 AM - Buffet breakfast

8:00 AM: The ship arrives in Krems.

8:30 - 11:00 AM: Optional excursion - Wachau Valley by bicycle. Biking along the vineyards on an electric bike. If my husband were not disabled, we may have considered this. But, this is of course weather dependent.

8:30 - 11:30 AM: Shore excursion - Göttweig Abbey with optional 30 minute extension (either Apricot Dumpling demonstration or Historic Attic).

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Shore excursion - Göttweig Abbey no extensions.

The Göttweig Abbey is a 900-year old abbey ran by the Benedictine monks. It’s an abbey at the top of the hill and oh so magnificent views of the Wachau Valley. I don’t know about you but when I see Karine Hagen (Viking’s SVP and the founder’s daughter) in the ads visiting locals and talking to monks, that’s sort of what I imagined for all the shore excursions. Well, not quite, so I would say this excursion is the only one and the closest to that image - privileged access with that extra experience you see on Viking ads.

TIP #11: For a small fee, i highly recommend the apricot dumpling presentation. it’s a change of pace from all the walking.

And, more than that, volunteer to help cook during the presentation. I expected the optional extension to be a cooking session but it’s really just a demonstration. And unless you volunteer, you won’t get your hands dirty at all, but you will definitely taste the apricot dumpling. I, of course, volunteered!

12:00 PM: Lunch at the Restaurant or Aquavit Terrace.

12:30 PM: Ship departs from Krems.

1:15 - 3:00 PM: Scenic Sailing: Wachau Valley.

This is the other part that made this day my favorite on this itinerary. Sailing through vineyards, ruins, small towns and forests is truly what European fairytales are made of. For this, the Wachau Valley has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Most definitely go to the top deck for this one.

It comes with the little Viking Cruises touches too like the staff bringing you blankets and small glasses of hot chocolate for you to comfortable enjoy the views.

3:00 - 4:00 PM: Austrian Tea time and Apple Strudel Live Demonstration.

6:35 PM: Viking Explorer Society Cocktail Party . By invite only, If you’ve sailed with Viking before, there’s a private cocktail party at the Lounge.

7:00 PM: Dinner at the Restaurant or Aquavit Terrace.

9:15 PM: World in Comfort with Viking Presentation. Here you can find out more about different itineraries and some discounts for future bookings. This is then followed by live music.

Day 5 - Germany: Docked in Passau with Bus Ride to Salzburg, Austria

Now we’re in our final country in the itinerary! But the options this day are quite varied! Changes in 2021: This will be Day 6 instead of Day 5.

9:00 AM: Arrival in Passau, Germany.

I was most definitely ready to burst out my Do Re Mi in Salzburg!

TiP #13: If you can wake up earlier, have an early breakfast and enjoy the cruise before arriving in passau for some striking misty morning views of the bavarian countryside.

9:15 AM - 6:00 PM: Optional excursion - Salzburg Highlights

View this post on Instagram #Salzburg #biangtravels Mozartkugels seem to be everywhere in Austria but you will only find the ones wrapped with silver foil in Salzburg, where Paul Fürst created his marzipan, pistachio and nougat goodness covered with dark chocolate. Have you had Mozartkugels before? 😋 Konditorei Fürst, Salzburg, Austria #GetThereGetLost A post shared by Bianca 👩🏻‍💻✈️📸📝🧡 (@gettheregetlost) on Jan 9, 2018 at 11:00am PST

I had heard that Passau, Germany was a very charming town with the famed pipe organ. However, this cruise was my first time in Austria, and with The Sound of Music being near and dear to me, Salzburg was a must. Remember to bring your passport since you are going to another country. It’s about a 2 hour drive from Passau to Salzburg, but the alpine views are very nice.

During our tour, it was actually raining, so the views were a bit dramatic. It was a bit cozy actually so I enjoyed a nap to and from Salzburg. From there, we did a walking tour of the Old Town and the Mirabell Gardens where we saw filming locations from The Sound of Music. We made our way to the Domplatz before our lunch in Austria’s oldest restaurant, entertained with the music from the movie by classically trained singers.

We had a bit of time on our own so we explored the cathedral cemetery, which if you recall was also part of the movie. And I did of course made sure I bought some Mozartkugels from Salzburg. You’ll see them throughout Austria in gold foils and in Salzburg, where it was created, is where you can find them wrapped in silver foil. Mozart was born in Salzburg and Paul Fürst honored him with this chocolate goodness.

After some walking while it was raining, it actually got a bit much for my husband, who had a swollen foot from a cut he got from walking around in Vienna. He already walks with a cane and the pain got a bit much for him. Seeing the challenge, instead of walking back to the bus after the tour, Viking actually called a car for us. I’m not sure if this would have been offered by other operators but that’s the type of attention to detail and dedication to customer service that I actually saw a lot from Viking Cruises.

9:15 - 10:45 AM: Shore excursion: Passau Walking Tour

11:00 - 11:25 AM: Passau Organ Concert. With more than 17,000 pipes, it is the largest pipe organ in Europe.

2:00 PM: Enrichment Lecture at the Lounge: Life in Germany.

2:15 - 6:00 PM: Optional excursion - Bavarian Beerfest. Drive through the Bavarian countryside from Passau to Gut Aichet and tour a riverside farm. Then enjoy an Oktoberfest-like party with traditional music, locally brewed beer, and Bavarian treats.

3:15 PM: Back on board if you didn’t join any optional excursions. Ship departs Passau for Vilshofen.

5:30 PM: Shuttle Passau to Vilshofen for those who either did their own thing.

6:00 PM: Stop at Vilshofen for guests not yet on board to rejoin.

9:15 PM: Rhine - Main - Danube Canal Presentation. Learn about the canal that connects the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea.

Since our cruise, Viking has added a few new optional excursions:

Hike the Passau Hills - for those looking for some challenge, you can do a hiking excursion from the Mariahilf Hill to Veste Oberhaus and enjoy spectacular views of the city.

Neuschwanstein Castle by Plane - you’ll board a plane to Reutte and transfer to Neuschwanstein to explore the famous castle that inspired Disney. You’ll get to tour the garden, courtyard and the castle’s rooms. And from there you drive through the Hohenschwangau valley for lunch before returning to the airport for a return flight to Vilshofen. If this were available at the time of my cruise, I probably would have done this optional excursion since I’ve always wanted to see the Neuschwantein Castle.

Flightseeing over Passau - if hiking is not for your, you can still enjoy breathtaking views from above of Passau and the three rivers - Ilz, Inn and the Danube - on a 45-minute private charter.

Bavaria by E-bike - another excursion with a bit of a challenge, bike along the Inn River through farm fields and riverside forests. You will leave Germany from Passau, and cross the bridge into Austria through Wernstein.

Day 6 - Germany: Regensburg Walking Tour

I can’t really decide on a favorite day for this tour. This day I really liked because of the freedom we had of having enough time to explore on our own. You can do it that way or spend a day full of excursions too. Changes in 2021: This will be Day 7 instead of Day 5.

6:00 - 11:00 AM - Café style; 6:30 - 9:30 AM - Continental breakfast; 7:00 - 9:30 AM - Buffet breakfast

Lunch at Alte Wurstkuchl, a Regensburg institution!

8:30 AM: The ship arrives in Regensburg.

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM: Optional excursion - Munich Highlights. You’ll take the bus to the Bavarian capital where you will meet a guide for a panoramic tour. As it was with Budapest, you’ll basically be driving past historic sights such as the Olympiapark and the royal avenues of Ludwigstrasse, Prinzregentenstrasse and Maximilianstrasse. You’ll have time to shop at the Viktualienmarkt and have lunch at Ratskeller.

Tip #14: If you did the salzburg excursion from passau the day before, i would not recommend doing the munich tour unless you really want to VISIT munich.

It’s another 2 hour drive each way and our friends who did both said they just got so restless from all that bus ride back to back.

TIP #15: Alternative to the panoramic tour, you can completely do your own thing in munich.

Some folks took a train on their own from Regensburg to Munich as they wanted to tour the BMW museum. Just make sure you look at the itinerary for the day to know what time you need to catch the train back.

9:15 - 10:45 AM: Shore excursion - Walking Tour - Regensburg. The city is very well preserved because it was never bombed during World War 2. You can even see some of the walls erected by Marcus Aurelius when the city was founded in the Roman times. In the Old Town, you’ll be able to see why this town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

9:15 - 11:15 AM: Shore excursion - Jewish Walking Tour - Regensburg. This tour is focused on Regensburg Jewish history and heritage, which includes the Neupfarrplatz and the Synagogue Memorial.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bianca 👩🏻‍💻✈️📸📝🧡 (@gettheregetlost) on Sep 21, 2017 at 9:28am PDT

12:00 PM: Lunch at the Restaurant or Aquavit Terrace. As an alternative, we instead had lunch at the Alte Wurstkuchl (Sausage Kitchen). This is a historic restaurant as it’s been serving sausage to customers since 1146 - that’s more than 870 years, guys!

I don’t drink beer but it felt dutiful to try some Bavarian beer, learning that they are very serious about it having a purity law and all dating back from 1516, which states that they can only use water, barley and hops for brewing. Tried it, and nope, beer is still not my thing.

1:00 - 4:00 PM: Optional excursion - Microbreweries in Bavaria. If you’re a beer fan, this one’s for you! You’ll be able to sample some of Bavaria’s pride and joy - Ratskeller from Regensburg, beer from Bischofshof, a pilsner from Kneitinger, a dark beer from Weltenburger, and a wheat beer from Weissbräuhaus.

1:00 - 6:30 PM: Optional excursion - Weltenburg Abbey and Danube Narrows. If you’re not up for some biergarten fare in the afternoon, you can visit the abbey that was founded in the 7th century, with more Danube views. This excursion is only available if you go between May - October.

Or, you can do what we did and just explored Regensburg on our own after the shore excursion. I was able to buy a hat from the famous Hutkönig, which has been making hats since 1875 for European royalty, Johnny Depp in Alice in Wonderland, and Pope Benedict XVI. We had lunch at Alte Wurstkuchl. We were able to explore smaller streets and I even came across some Banksy graffiti - though I’ve never been able to verify if it’s truly his or some copycat.

1:00 PM: The ship leaves Regensburg for Kelheim.

5:15 PM: Transfer from Regensburg to Kelheim. If you wish to stay in Regensburg for the afternoon like we did to explore the town on our own, you need to sign up at the Guest Service Desk in the morning for the bus transfer. You’re to meet at the Sausage Kitchen and then walk as a group across the river to the bus stop. From there, you will travel to join the ship in Kelheim.

5:30 - 7:30 PM: Cocktail Hour

6:15 PM: Arrival in Kelheim for guests not yet on board to rejoin.

7:00 PM: Disembarkation Briefing and Port Talk.

7:30 PM: Dinner: A Taste of Germany. They went all out with this German buffet dinner! Even the servers were in their lederhosen and dirndl!

9:00 PM: Evening entertainment - live music and dancing.

Our last port! Changes in 2021: This will be Day 8 instead of Day 7. Instead of a day in Nuremberg, there is an optional excursion to the historic Nuremberg on day 6 from Regensburg. It’s a 10 hour excursion, which means you basically skip the Regensburg itinerary above. For what we did, and it’s still the same for 2020, here’s the schedule for the day:

7:30 AM: The ship arrives in Roth.

8:15 AM - 12:45 PM: Optional excursion - Faber-Castell Factory and Museum . Here you get to learn the historical method of manufacturing pencils.

8:15 AM: Shuttle bus from Roth to Nuremberg. This I was very unclear about. I think this was just if you wanted to drive instead of take the ship because at the same time, the ship leaves Roth for Nuremberg as well.

12:00 PM: The ship arrives in Nuremberg. Lunch is also served at the Restaurant or the Aquavit Terrace.

1:30 - 5:30 PM: Shore excursion - Nuremberg through History. Here we saw where Nazi rallies were held and drove by the Palace of Justice. We then visited the Imperial Palace, and walk past the picture perfect half-timbered houses. We made our way to the Market Square where there were several stalls selling Christmas decorations already, but we definitely enjoyed all the food stalls! You’ll have time on your own, which we spent by eating bratwurst and visiting a book shop. You’ll then take the bus back to the ship.

1:30 - 6:00 PM: Optional excursion - Nuremberg and World War II. More in depth of Nuremberg’s war history, here you’ll visit the setting of the rise and fall of the Third Reich.

5:30 - 6:30 PM: Cocktail hour and the Captain’s farewell cocktail party.

6:45 PM: Final farewell from the program director.

7:15 PM: Farewell dinner at the Restaurant or casual meal on the Aquavit Terrace.

9:15 PM: From the Danube to the Adriatic Sea: Enjoy local Nuremberg musicians in the Lounge for music from composers who lived in the banks of the Danube.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bianca 👩🏻‍💻✈️📸📝🧡 (@gettheregetlost) on Nov 28, 2017 at 12:48pm PST

Alas, the tour has come to an end!

From here, you are transferred to the airport or you join the bus to your respective post-cruise extensions. So the schedule varies depending on your flight. For us, our trip took us to Prague next after a 3 hour bus ride from Nuremberg. We had breakfast at 6:30 and were on the road by 8:30 AM. We had a guide on the bus so it wasn’t just 3 hours of sleeping.

You still have to check out, and this is also where and when you can leave a tip for the staff.

That was a lot in 7 days. Normally for us, that’s too many countries in a week but it’s a good taste of what the region around the Danube has to offer.

Despite my preference of having enough time to explore on our own, being able to go to museums, libraries or markets, cruising with Viking Cruises was really for the comfort and luxury of having everything planned for you, great food and service on board, with as much effort for slow travel and privileged access while not missing out on the main tourist attractions. I hope you were able to get the information you need about the Romantic Danube cruise as much as I enjoyed walking down memory lane. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Bianca is one of the founders of get there | get lost. She is an avid writer and photographer based in Northern California. Her love for history, literature, architecture and food culminate to her passion for traveling and learning about different cultures. She advocates for accessible travel, and continues to explore with her husband and travel partner, Jesús, despite physical limitations. Follow their adventures on Instagram as @gettheregetlost and @coffeeandtherapy.

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Romantic Danube

• From $2,399
• 5 Guided Tours
• 3 Countries
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• Budapest to Regensburg Regensburg to Budapest

Romantic Danube Map

Sail to charming cities & villages

Visit Budapest’s Castle District and cross the famous Chain Bridge. Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most revered monastic centers, and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots. Visit historic Salzburg. Spend two days in Vienna, and celebrate the city’s musical heritage at a concert featuring works by Mozart and Strauss. With medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery, this 8-day journey on the “Blue Danube” is one you are sure to love.

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Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Budapest

From $599 | 2 Nights

Pre: Budapest Premium

From $1,299 | 2 Nights

Post: Prague

From $899 | 3 Nights

Post: Prague Premium

From $1,199 | 3 Nights

Post: Nuremberg

From $499 | 2 Nights

Post: Prague & Nuremberg

From $999 | 4 Nights

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What It’s Like to Take a Viking Danube Cruise – Passau to Budapest

When my husband and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary, we wanted something extra special and decided to celebrate in style on a Viking River Cruise. This was by far our biggest anniversary celebration and one we were super excited about.

Half the fun (okay, an 1/8th of the fun) was researching the different options and choosing our river cruise .  After spending many hours on the Viking Cruises website, we chose the  Danube Waltz Viking River Cruise .

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Viking Danube Cruise – Viking Journey from Passau to Budapest

Danube Waltz River Cruise – Our Viking Journey from Passau to Budapest

The Danube Waltz Cruise was my second river cruise. I previously sailed on the Rhine Getaway Christmas Cruise with Viking Cruises .

This 8-day Danube itinerary on Viking reveals the highlights of Passau, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest while cruising leisurely through spectacular scenery. A Viking Danube River Cruise offers views and visits to enchanting castles,  gorgeous landscapes, and fairy-tale villages. We knew this would be a trip of a lifetime.

Our eight-day river cruise with Viking began in Passau, Germany and ended in Budapest, Hungary (the itinerary also runs in the opposite direction and can be booked from Budapest to Passau).

Danube River Map

The Danube River is Europe’s second-longest river, after the Volga. The Danube River flows between 10 countries and runs southeast for about 1,700 miles. It begins in Germany (Central Europe) and ends in Ukraine (Eastern Europe) before emptying into the Black Sea via the Danube Delta in Romania and Ukraine . Below, you can see the Danube map and how it travels through Europe.

Viking Danube River Cruise Map

The Viking Cruise Danube itinerary can be booked from Passau, Germany to Budapest, Hungary or Budapest to Passau.

The Danube River cruise I took began in Passau, Germany, and included stops in; Linz, Melk, Durnstein, Krems, Vienna (all in Austria), Bratislava (Slovak Republic) and ended in Budapest (Hungary).

8 Day Viking Danube Waltz Cruise Itinerary

Day 1: Embark in Passau, Germany Day 2: Passau, Germany Day 3: Linz, Austria Day 4: Melk, Austria (we visited Melk, Austria on our cruise) Day 5: Vienna Austria Day 6: Bratislava, Slovak Republic Day 7 Budapest, Hungary Day 8: Disembark in Budapest

Viking Danube River Cruise: Airport Pick Up & Arrival

If you book airfare with Viking Cruises and go directly from the flight to the ship, you will be picked up at the airport by Viking. You will be transported by first-class bus to the docking station in Passau. Once you arrive at the ship, the check-in process is super quick. My husband and I were in our room within minutes upon arrival to the Viking Bragi longship.

Viking Danube River Cruise: The Ship

The Viking Longship Bragi has 95 staterooms, one main dining room, and a smaller dining terrace, bar/lounge open-air upper deck, and many spaces for lounging and hanging out. There are three main levels for cruisers; the main level (middle deck) where you’ll find the concierge, the main dining room, and most staterooms.

The next level up you’ll find the bar/lounge, the Aquavit terrace with an outdoor deck and more staterooms. The upper deck (sun deck) is the third level where guests can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We cruised in April and the weather was gorgeous. We found ourselves spending time on the sun deck daily.

Viking Danube Cruise Ship Details:

• Sun deck with 360-degree views with putting green, chess, walking track and herb garden
• Aquavit Terrace with a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area at the bow of the ship and grills for al fresco dining
• Observation Lounge and bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors
• Restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views
• Library corner and onboard boutique
• Elevator from Middle to Upper Deck

Viking Danube River Cruise : Stateroom

On our river cruise, we had a veranda stateroom. We loved the balcony, especially during daytime sailings. While in port there are times you will find that two Viking ships are docked next to each other. You may or may not have a view during the port calls depending on how the boats are docked.

Room Details:

• 95 comfortable outside staterooms (2 Explorer Suites, 7 Veranda Suites, 39 Veranda Staterooms, 22 French Balcony Staterooms, 25 Standard Staterooms)
• All suites feature two rooms with a veranda off the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom
• Hotel-style bed topped with European linens and duvets
• Bathrooms with heated floors
• Premium Freyja™ bath products
• Cord in the shower for drying/hanging clothes, etc.
• European and North American plugs throughout the cabin.
• In-Room 40″ flat-panel Sony TV with infotainment system featuring movies on demand plus CNBC, CNN, National Geographic  

Viking Danube River Cruise: Life onboard a Viking Longship

Everything about a Viking cruise is casual and relaxed. The dress is informal for a Viking cruise. Think smart casual. Depending on the day, you may find yourself coming to dinner straight from an excursion. There are no fancy evenings and no need for formal attire whatsoever.

Each day onboard the Viking Bragi, you will receive the Viking Daily. This is an onboard newspaper sharing the next day’s itinerary, ship information, history of the town you’ll be visiting, histories of upcoming locations, country profiles, and suggestions of things to do in port.

Most days will follow a schedule similar to this:

• Morning excursion
• Optional afternoon excursion
• Cocktail hour with a briefing (port talk) for the following day
• Evening entertainment (onboard musicians, as well as entertainers, brought in from the port city or an interesting presentation)

This is a general overview as there are multiple excursions to choose from daily. There are also additional onboard activities on the itinerary for those not on an afternoon excursion. On a Viking River Cruise, you can be as busy as you choose.

Viking Danube River Cruise : The Crew & Service

With 50 crew members and a maximum of 190 passengers, this offers a high level of service during a Viking River Cruise. As you can imagine, it’s quite easy to get to know the cruisers and staff on such a small ship. This was my second Viking River Cruise, and I have been impressed with the quality of service. Being able to compare two cruises, what I find noteworthy is the consistency in the high level of service. Every crew member we came in contact with had a smile and truly seems to enjoy their position. The excellent service is one of the many aspects that truly places Viking River Cruises in a class of its own.

Viking Danube River Cruise: The Food

You won’t go hungry on a Viking cruise. In addition to the three meals per day, you’ll find coffee and pastries available from 6am-11am as well as cookies, tea, and coffee in the afternoon.

I absolutely loved breakfast. You can order from the menu or enjoy the daily buffet with fresh pastries, an omelet station, cheeses, meats, yogurt, lox with fixings, juices, and much more.

Lunch is a combination of buffet and menu. Salad and additional courses are available on the buffet or you can order soup and a main course from your waiter. You can enjoy lunch in the dining room or in the open-air aquavit terrace. We loved having lunch on the terrace.

Most evenings dinner is served from the menu and there are four to five options for the main course. Each dinner includes appetizers, soup or salad, a main course, and dessert. One of our favorite meals was “Taste of Austria” on day four. We are now Wienerschnitzel devotees!

They do a wonderful job working with food sensitivities and allergies. If you are allergic to gluten, as I am, or have any other allergy make sure to inform the booking agent you work with in advance of sailing. On this sailing, there was a handful of us who were celiac or allergic to gluten, and the chef prepared special courses and desserts for us. At breakfast each day, I would be shown the lunch and dinner menu for the day and I would pre-order my meals. The chef was able to make just about everything on the menu gluten-free.

Cocktail Hour

Every evening there is a cocktail hour before dinner, with each evening being a bit different. The first night is a welcome briefing and introduction to the crew management. The second night is a toast with the captain. Most nights include live music and there might also be a port talk or other announcements. It’s a fun time to gather and socialize.

Viking Danube River Cruise: The Onboard Entertainment

Entertainment consists of fun and sometimes funny shows with the crew, local bands and singing groups will also join the ship during dinner or after dinner for special performances. Before dinner, there will often be a lecture or other learning event (ranging from the culture of locations, language lessons and learning about river cruising). You’ll find live music in the lounge daily at cocktail hour and after dinner. The crew frequently participates in the after-dinner fun in the lounge.

Viking Danube River Cruise: The Locks

One very interesting aspect of the Danube River Cruise is sailing through the locks. There are a total of 19 locks on the Danube and during this sailing, the ship navigates through many of them. There are a few days when you’ll sail through locks during the day, rather than at night. It’s is quite fascinating to watch the process of the boat entering the lock and adjusting to the correct water level for the next part of the river.

Viking Danube River Cruise: Scenic Cruise Days

There are two days on this itinerary where you can enjoy the most beautiful stretches of the Danube River; the Wachau Valley and Danube Bend.

Traveling from Passau to Budapest, the first scenic cruise day is sailing through an 18-mile stretch of the Wachau Valley that is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll pass vineyards, forests, and wine-growing villages between Melk and Krems, Austria.

The second day of scenic cruising is a 40-mile stretch through the Danube Bend. Here you follow the curve of the river into Hungary and will see farmland, ancient castles, steep hills, quaint villages, and many domed churches.

Viking Danube River Cruise: The Excursions

One of the aspects of the Viking Danube Cruise we loved the most is that a daily excursion is included with your cruise. The excursions are also optional, so if you’d prefer to explore on your own, this is an available alternative. Most days, the ship will dock in one location, but there will be a few days the ship will dock in one port in the morning and another in the afternoon. When this occurs, a bus from the morning excursion will then deliver you to the new port.

Depending on the distance of the excursion you will either travel by bus or foot. Passengers are divided into groups and you’ll have a local guide who will take you by bus or foot to explore the daily excursion.

For every excursion, there is a group that moves a bit slower and it’s great for anyone with walking issues, who need breaks or for those who want to take a lot of photos. During the walking portion of the excursions, they provide an earpiece so you are never straining to hear what the tour guide is saying.

In addition to the daily “included excursions” there are usually between one and three excursions that can be booked for an additional charge. These excursions might be visiting a nearby town or focused on a local tour or a culinary experience. Most excursions are between three and seven hours, but the average excursion is four hours.

Included Excursions on Viking Danube Waltz Cruise:

Day 1 & 2: Passau Walking Tour & Organ Concert Day 3: Cesky Krumlov Walking Tour in the Czech Republic Day 4: Gottweig Abbey Day 5: Panoramic Vienna Day 6: Panoramic Bratislava or Bratislava Walking Tour Day 7 & 8: Panoramic Budapest

There are a multitude of included and optional tours such as; learning to waltz at a Viennese dance school. visiting an abbey on an exclusive visit to Göttweig, savoring Austro-Hungarian cuisine in Vienna and Budapest, and soaking up soothing steam at a Budapest thermal bath. One of our favorite optional tours was the Dohany Street Synagogue & Jewish Budapest tour.

I can’t do each port and excursion justice in this article. So, check back shortly for my article about all the excursions on the Viking Danube Waltz.

Budapest Cruise at Night

One of the most spectacular events on the Viking Waltz cruise was the night sailing in Budapest. This Budapest river cruise event took place on the last night and was simply gorgeous.

The Budapest Danube cruise portion was a slow journey under numerous bridges and included seeing the most spectacular portions of the city at night. To see the city lit up and sail through town was the perfect way to end this experience.

What’s Included on a Viking River Cruise

Below you can find a full list of what is included with the Viking Danube Waltz cruise. The two big items that stood out to me are 1) wine and beer are always complimentary during lunch and dinner (as well as during special shipboard events and tastings) and 2) daily included excursions.

• 8-days; 5 countries; 10 ports
• Visit 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• All onboard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) featuring regional specialties & American classics are always available
• Welcome Cocktail Reception & Farewell Dinner
• Open-air walking track
• 24/7 Guest Services for special requests
• 6 included shore excursions with a local guide & headset
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Complimentary beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
• Multiple dining venues with open seating 24/7 specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
• Aquavit Terrace (the most al fresco dining on Europe’s Rivers)
• All port taxes and fees
• Airport meet & greet transfers are included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises  

What’s Not Included

A Viking Cruise could be 100% all-inclusive if you stick with the provided alcohol and soft drinks as well as included daily excursion. There are no hidden fees or costs once aboard. Below are the few items that aren’t included in the cruise:

• If you want to upgrade, you can opt for unlimited beverages during your cruise, with the  Viking’s Silver Spirits package. You could also buy your favorite bottles and mixers in port and keep them in your stateroom.
• As stated previously, additional excursions are not included in the cost.
• Tipping at the end of the cruise.

Who goes on Viking River Cruises?

The largest percentage of passengers were between 60-75 years old. There were several families who were traveling together with adult children in the 30-40’s. Like my husband and I, there were a handful of couples in their early 50’s. It does seem that the Viking cruise demographic is skewing a bit younger now that river cruising is becoming more and more popular.

The Weather

We expected a lot of rain during a spring cruise, but we were pleasantly surprised by a mini-heatwave on our cruise. We had a bit of rain the first few days, but it progressively got warmer as the days continued. This is not the norm and you should be prepared for rain with warm to cool days and cold evenings.

If you happen to take this cruise in winter, I’ve created a list of what to pack for a winter river cruise that will help you take the guesswork out of what you should and should not bring.

Bottom Line

We loved the Viking Danube River cruise experience. It was a huge treat to visit four countries and 10 ports without having to pack and unpack. Visiting Europe without having to check into a new hotel every day or two, as well as travel by bus, train, car or plane is such a treat. The concept of unpacking once is a huge plus.

What We loved!

• The ships are small (less than 200 passengers).
• It’s quite easy to get to know most of the guests.
• There were no hidden costs.
• The daily excursions.
• The gorgeous sunsets!

Overall, we highly recommend a Viking River Cruise. Sailing through the heart of Europe on the “Danube Waltz” was a first-time experience I’ll cherish forever. From exploring the enchanting old towns to savoring the views from my full-size veranda, every moment was a treasure.

Viking River Cruises really know how to make your European sojourn unforgettable.

And here’s a little tip – they do have specials that include free airfare and good cruise discounts, so make sure to keep an eye out for these deals on select departures of the Grand European Tour and other cruises. It’s the perfect way to embark on a romantic Danube journey and discover the beauty of different countries along the way. Happy cruising!

Helpful Links

• Viking Danube Waltz
• Viking River Cruises on Facebook
• Viking River Cruises on Twitter
• How to Choose the Right Viking River Cruise
• Viking Rhine River Christmas Cruise
• How to Pack for 2 Weeks in Europe (in one suitcase)
• Cheap Flights to Europe with Condor Airlines

6 Indispensable Items to Pack for a Viking Danube River Cruise

• Get a good guidebook for Austria  and Hungary

• Lightweight tote for your port excursions.

Thinking about a Viking River Cruise? Ask your questions in the comments below!

Although I was provided a complimentary Danube River Cruise thanks to Viking River Cruises , the experiences shared and opinions are my own.

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Alexa Meisler is the editorial director of 52 Perfect Days. Born in Paris, France she has since lived in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon. She currently resides in San Diego with her husband and son where they enjoy exploring California and Mexico.

Travel has always been a part of her life; traveling to such places as Morocco, Tangiers and Spain as a young child as well as taking many road trips to Mexico with her grandparents as a young girl. Since then, she has traveled abroad to locations such as Russia, Taiwan and throughout Europe.

Prior to working at 52 Perfect Days she was a freelance travel writer; focusing on family and women’s adventure experiences.

18 Comments

It’s so good that they include excursions. On the 3 sea cruises we’ve done they were extra and they were hugely expensive. It was also really hard to arrange your own independent travel as the ports were miles out of town. So this is excellent. Food looks good, love the herb garden. But the big question…how was the wi-fi?

I hear the best things about Viking Cruise ships! I must go on one myself, this looks amazing 🙂

Hi Claire! I’ve been on two now and I look forward to more Viking sailings. Everything you heard is true! They are top-notch!

I love that you highlighted the sunsets and Budapest. Two of my favorite parts of my travels. I’d love to try a river cruise one day. Seeing the old world cities and experiencing a bit of them on excursions would be a unique experience. The locks would definitely be a trip too.

I’m not usually a cruise person but I do love the look of river cruises in Europe, the itinerary of this one looks really appealing. And the smaller ship size, and no extra costs for excursions etc, are a big plus.

My husband and I are taking this cruise next summer. I am very interested to learn more out the excursions on the Viking Danube Waltz. I look forward to reading that post when you have it ready.

I have to be on this cruise! I love everything that you posted! I can’t believe there are only a few young adults on board!

Wow these river cruises look like a spectacular way to explore Europe! I love all the great activities on board. And those views are unreal!

It’s absolutely amazing! I’ve been looking forward to reading about your river cruise adventures, Alexa! Would love to do this cruise one day!

You just can’t beat the views from a river cruise. This itinerary looks amazing.

Omg that’s so cool that the boat has the giant chess set on the deck. This sounds so perfect to go to all these places on a cruise. Sounds like something I would enjoy.

Ugh, I am dying to go on a Viking Cruise media trip, but I think that they are only looking for a very specific demographic. Looks like so much fun!

The itinerary and overall concept sounds wonderful, but I have to say that I’m shocked at how big the state rooms are. I had no idea they were that large. Much bigger than a normal cruise ship. I’d totally be into doing a Viking Danube River cruise.

Your river cruise experience was better and most luxurious than the ones I have tried. Lucky you! Good thing you were blessed with a very good weather and a gorgeous sunset.

Very helpful article, will you be reviewing the excursions on the Danube Waltz?

It looks stunning. I’ve never been on a Viking river cruise, though I have travelled in Eygpt with Oberoi – I love that most of the staterooms come with balconies – and the food looks excellent.

What an incredible journey! Loved reading your personal experiences and the ultimate guide with helpful tips, vivid descriptions and stunning photos.

I’ve seen these cruise ships in Budapest but from the banks. I’m sure that gliding through the Danube with all those Budapest lights is a magical experience. Also, wondering what are those other alternative activities they offer on board for people who don’t go on excursions?

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Down the Danube | Viking River Cruise Highlights from Port to Port

The “Blue Danube” is Europe’s second-largest river and therefore, one of its most significant. For centuries it has connected different cultures and has provided a pathway to facilitate trade, war, and relaxation. Originating from the Black Forest in Germany, the Danube touches 10 countries, 3 of which are visited on Viking River Cruises Romantic Danube .

I was lucky enough to experience this historic waterway on board a Viking longship and can say it is the most relaxing and luxurious way to see this part of the world. My Danube Viking River Cruise trip meant 8 days of floating (and eating) my way from Bavaria to Budapest.

Bring on the bratwurst and goulash.

Of course, there is so much more to see and do on a Danube Viking River Cruise than eat. From countless castles to learning about Nazi Germany’s uprising and fall, I have captured it here in this Danube Viking River Cruise highlights post. Starting with what the experience is like onboard to each port’s excursion and highlights, it is covered here.

Table of Contents

My Danube Viking Cruise journey was aboard the luxurious Viking Njord. This cruise ship sleeps ~190 people and has a bar, sundeck, and dining hall. All rooms are bright and airy, the decor is modern and clean, and the staff is on hand 24/7 to make your journey as comfortable as possible. They also keep you entertained and busy. Throughout the trip, you will find onboard activities such as culinary demonstrations, cultural info sessions, and local live music and entertainment. This includes learning how to make strudel, how to order coffee in Vienna , opera performances, and language lessons.

All staterooms aboard the Viking Njord are outward facing. The lower-level rooms are the only ones without balconies. Middle and upper deck rooms have verandas and/or French balconies. The two explore suites at the end of the ship feature wrap-around balconies and a large living space.

• READ MORE: Viking River Cruises Rhine Review

For my Danube Viking River Cruise, I had front-row seats thanks to an amazing veranda suite. With a separate living space, bedroom, and balcony, this is where I spent the bulk of my trip. With views like this, can you blame me?

Danube Viking River Cruise Food

The food aboard the Viking Njord is another highlight, so much so that I have a post dedicated to just that . With passing through so many regions while cruising down the Danube, Viking does a great job of incorporating local dishes into each dinner service. From a Bavarian feast to Hungarian goulash, Viking covers it all in a high-end and well-prepared and presented way. Breakfast includes a buffet and à la cart items as does lunch.

My Rhine Getaway Experience and What to Expect on a Viking River Cruise

Both can be enjoyed in the main dining hall or a lighter version on the upper deck lounge. 3-course dinners are served in the dining hall where guests are encouraged to share tables. We tried to rotate each day in a way to meet and interact with different people. Making new friends on board is easy, especially with wine being included with all lunch and dinner services.

• READ MORE: Experience Viking River Cruise Through its Food

Danube Viking River Cruise Stops

Viking Cruises Romantic Danube journey makes 6 stops from Nuremberg to Budapest. Viking does an excellent job keeping you busy and sharing the very best local sites and attractions. Each stop on a Danube Viking River Cruise includes complimentary excursions as well as additional ones at a cost. Here’s a breakdown of each stop, highlighted by my favorites.

* Note: Viking runs the Romantic Danube cruise in both directions.

Day 1 – Nuremberg, Germany

2nd in Bavaria to only Munich in size, Nuremberg is a historic city with much to offer. The walled old town includes architecture dating back to the 15th century with many castles and towers to explore. Nuremberg is also home of the Nazi uprising and their ultimate defeat and conviction.

For my short time in Nuremberg, I opted to skip the included city walk of the of the town in favour of the optional WWII tour. If find European history fascinating like I do,  I can’t recommend this tour enough. It takes you deep into Nazi Germany’s uprising with visits to the Zepplin Fields where Hitler spoke at rallies. From there you have free time to wander through the massive Documentation Center before fittingly ending at Courtroom 600, home of the Nuremberg Trials .

For a full review of my experience on this Danube Viking River Cruise WWII Tour in Nuremberg check out this dedicated post .

What to See and Do in Nuremberg

Included Shore Excursion: Nuremberg Tour – Explore the medieval city within the 13th-century walls. Visit the Imperial Palace, one of Europe’s then stroll past half-timbered before visiting Market Square. There you will find its famous gingerbread and the Gothic Schöner Brunnen fountain.

Optional Excursion(s): WWII Tour

Explore on your own: The Documentation Center, the Toy Musem, and the Chuch of St.Lawrence are all worth a visit. Alternatively, getting lost within the walled city is a great way to experience Nuremberg!

Day 2 – Regensburg, Germany

Regensburg is the oldest city on the Danube and is best known for its well-kept medieval city centre. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Regensburg’s charm is intact and is best explored on foot. The included walking tour of the old town or the included Jewish heritage walking tour provides you with a guided stroll through one of Germany’s most interesting cities.

It was a beautiful day on my visit to Regensburg so I opted to break off from the tour at the end and explore on my own. I made my way across the 12th-century stone bridge (which was largely under construction) before settling in for a stein of Bavarian beer in front of the massively gothic Regensburg Cathedral…which was also under construction. Crane towers aside, Regensburg was a beautifully relaxing stop and was perfectly capped off with a platter of sausages from the aptly named “ Historic Sausage Kitchen ” ( Historische Wurstküche in German). This iconic shack on the banks of the Danube has been serving up sauerkraut and wurst since 1135 AD! Stopping here is a Regensburg must.

• Read what other travellers have to say about these sausages on TripAdvisor

What to See and Do in Regensburg

Included Shore Excursion:  Walking tour, Jewish Heritage Tour.

Optional Excursion(s): Munich Highlights, Wittenberg Abby, Microbreweries of Bavaria

Explore on your own:  Regensburg Cathedral, its many squares, and the Historic Sausage Kitchen!

Day 3 – Passau, Germany

Passau is known as the “City of Three Rivers” as it is located where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet. This has kept Passau historically significant for centuries as an important trading post and today, an excellent river cruise port town.  The included walking tour of Passau is a great way to explore the many winding corridors and alleyways. Be sure to note the line markings on the buildings. With its river convergence, Passau sees its share of floods. This is well documented throughout town.

• READ MORE: Passau Highlights

Also be sure to catch the included concert at the impressively white  St. Stephen’s Cathedral , home of the largest pipe organ in Europe. At noon, you can take in a half-hour concert (or one-hour concert in the evenings) but be warned, the music is intense. Like an octopus mashing chords while a hummingbird plays some crazy runs intense. Clearly, I don’t get organ music, and I am a musician. It’s cool to hear and see nonetheless.

After the concert, I made my way to the point where you can clearly see the waters of the Danube and Inn mix. From there I enjoyed a coffee in the worn square before heading up to the massive  Veste Oberhaus  fortress. From there you are rewarded with an amazing view of the three rivers.

As you can see, Passau is gorgeous and was a personal favourite of mine on this trip down the Daube.

For a full review of my time visiting Passau with Viking River Cruises check out this dedicated post .

What to See and Do in Passau

Included Shore Excursion:  Walking Tour of Passau, Organ concert

Optional Excursion(s): Salzburg Highlights, Bavarian Beerfest

Explore on your own:  Head out to the point to see the mixing waters of the Danube and Inn rivers, get lost in the old town, and hike up to the  Veste Oberhaus  fortress. There you can take in the view as well as enjoy several museums that celebrate Passau’s historic past.

Day 4 – Krems, Austria

Although Krems is nothing to write home about, the journey through the Wachau Valley sure is. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its collection of medieval towns, terraced vineyards, and riverside castles.  A scenic sailing through the Wachau Valley is a highlight for many guests.

As you can see, what I missed in castles along the Rhine due to low water levels , I made up for in spades on this Danube Viking River Cruise.

The tour from Krems is a visit to Göttweig Abbey, a hilltop monastery constructed in 1083. As it was a rainy day and because I had visited my share of monasteries in Bavaria I opted to take in the onboard presentations on how to make apple strudel and how to order coffee in Vienna. These would come in very handy at our next stop.

What to See and Do in Krems

Included Shore Excursion: Benedictine Abbey Tour – Visit the monks that worship and work at this scenic hilltop monastery. Sample sparkling apricot wine before viewing a short film about monastic life.

Optional Excursion(s): None.

Day 5 – Vienna, Austria

Vienna is home to great cafes ,  amazing architecture, and more museums than you could possibly visit in one trip. It’s home of the Hapsburgs, Klimt, and Freud. Both Mozart and Beethoven have called Vienna home and today, it often tops the lists of best places to live in the world. On the included city excursion, it is easy to see why.

After the tour I set out on my own to explore Vienna’s coffee culture and took a stroll along the museum quarter before making my way back to the ship.

What to See and Do in Vienna

Included Shore Excursion:  Vienna City Tour.

Optional Excursion(s):  Jewls of Vienna’s Ring, and the Museum of Fine Art. Also the Schönbrunn Palace, Mozart Concert, Wachau Valley by Bicycle, and Behind the Scenes at the Lipizzaner Stallions.

Explore on your own:   Coffee shop hop or experience Vienna beyond its museums !

Day 6/7 – Budapest, Hungary

Budapest nickname is the “Pearl of the Danube,” and with good reason. As your ship pulls in you will see the iconic bridges, buildings, and castles. Sailing down the Danube and passing through Budapest is truly sensory overload. On the left you will see Pest, a cosmopolitan European city highlighted by the beautiful Hungarian Parliment building. On the right, Buda, home of the city’s castle and towering hills.

• READ MORE: Budapest Highlights on Foot

Viking Cruises does a great job of packing a lot of Budapest into a short half day tour. A coach ride takes you past Pest highlights such as Hero’s Square. Next its  off to Andrassy Avenue, and the Dohány Street Synagogue (the largest synagogue in Europe) before heading to the Buda side for a walking tour of Buda Castle and Matthias Church.

Budapest is an incredibly easy city to navigate on foot and has an excellent transit system. Those looking to explore on their own be sure to check out my post on easily accessible Budapest highlights from the Viking River Cruise port .

What to See and Do in Budapest

Included Shore Excursion:  Budapest City Tour.

Explore on your own:   Enjoy the city by foot or soak in one of its many bath houses . Learn to make goulash at cooking class or visit the Museum of Terror and Hospital in the Hill for a look at life during Communist rule.

The Romantic Daube Awaits You

As you can see, taking a Danube Viking River Cruise is an incredibly scenic and relaxing way to see some of Europes prettiest parts. From riverside castles to tasting local cuisine, Viking River Cruises does an incredible job immersing its guests in the culture of each region visited. Throw in the comfort and easy going pace of this luxury rriverboat and you have one of the best ways to experience Europe.

What say you? Thoughts on this  Danube Viking Cruise ? Let’s hear it!

For more reviews from Europe  and beyond see HERE .

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Although I was provided a complimentary Danube Viking River Cruise, as always the experience, opinions, and relaxation is my own.

Review: VIA Rail Vancouver to Edmonton Sleeper Class Plus

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That looks like an amazing luxury experience! Passau looks like such a charming place to visit as well 🙂

Thanks and Passau is beautiful!

Wow your photos are amazing! And the boat looks super nice ??

I LOVED BUDAPEST. This is such an extensive guide, thanks for sharing. Also LOVED all your photos. Reminded me how colorful Hungary is!

Thanks Diana. Budapest is a favourite place of mine too.

gaah!! I’ll have to do this one day! The rooms and the food looked amazing! Also, Europe is just so beautiful!

Definitely a bucket list trip!

This would be absolutely amazing to go on. Being able to see these beautiful countries would be incredible. The sights, sounds, culture, and food would be so amazing to experience.

For sure. Viking does a really great job.

I have really wondered about river cruises before and this one looks absolutely outstanding. The facilities on the boat look incredible! I would love to go!

You should!

Comments are closed.

More Stories

48 hours in Luxembourg…too Much or too Little?

Deals of the Week   All of Europe's finest   Up to 50% OFF

Grand European Tour Amsterdam to Budapest

• River Cruise
• Partially Guided
• Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Day 2 Kinderdijk, The Netherlands
• Day 3 Cologne, Germany
• Day 4 Koblenz, Germany
• Day 5 Miltenberg, Germany
• Day 6 Würzburg, Germany
• Day 7 Bamberg, Germany
• Day 8 Nuremberg, Germany
• Day 9 Regensburg, Germany
• Day 10 Passau, Germany
• Day 11 Melk, Austria
• Day 12 Vienna, Austria
• Day 13 Vienna, Austria
• Day 14 Budapest, Hungary
• Day 15 Budapest, Hungary

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Accommodation details are subject to availability and may change

Operated by Viking Cruises

With an operational office in Basel, Switzerland, Viking provides destination-focused itineraries designed for experienced travelers who have an interest in geography, culture and history. Each journey includes a shore excursion in every port, and an exclusive Viking Culture Curriculum program that provides deep immersion in the destination through performances of music and art, cooking demonstrations, informative port talks and carefully selected guest lecturers. The company currently operates a fleet of more than 70 vessels, state-of-the-art ships that have received numerous accolades since their launch from industry experts and travelers alike. Viking was voted the #1 River Cruise Line by Condé Nast Traveler in their 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards, and for the third year in a row, has been named the #1 Ocean Cruise Line* by Travel + Leisure readers in the World’s Best Awards 2018.

Viking Cruises Ship

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.3
• Itinerary Excellent 4.7
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 4.7
• Accommodation Good 4.0
• Food Good 4.0
• Tour Operator Viking Cruises 4.3
• PS Peter · May 15th, 2024 Staff were incredibly helpful and couldn’t do enough. Food was just ok but lacked imagination. I fell ill and stayed much of the time in my cabin, so found the tv entertainment VERY lacking, dated and uninteresting compared to what one might experience... Show more Trip date: April 2024 Review collected by Viking Cruises
• CM Cheryl · April 9th, 2024 This was our first Viking cruise and loved the River Cruise as there are less than 200 guests on board. The staff were friendly and very professional, the food was amazing and the Tours each day were special. Met some other guests on board who made it... Show more Trip date: March 2024
• MT Margaret · July 30th, 2023 Nothing was too much trouble for staff. Excellent organisation and xare of clients. Trip date: July 2023

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• August 2026
• September 2026
• October 2026
• November 2026
• Tuesday 4 Jun, 2024 Tuesday 18 Jun, 2024 English Based on FRENCH BALCONY (D) Viking Gefjon Not available in your region
• Thursday 4 Jul, 2024 Thursday 18 Jul, 2024 English Based on VERANDA SUITE (AA) Viking Vali Not available in your region
• Saturday 6 Jul, 2024 Saturday 20 Jul, 2024 English Based on VERANDA (A) Viking Bragi Not available in your region
• Sunday 21 Jul, 2024 Sunday 4 Aug, 2024 English Based on VERANDA SUITE (AA) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Monday 22 Jul, 2024 Monday 5 Aug, 2024 English Based on VERANDA SUITE (AA) Viking Skirnir Not available in your region
• Wednesday 24 Jul, 2024 Wednesday 7 Aug, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gymir Not available in your region
• Tuesday 30 Jul, 2024 Tuesday 13 Aug, 2024 English Based on VERANDA SUITE (AA) Viking Gefjon Not available in your region
• Sunday 4 Aug, 2024 Sunday 18 Aug, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Monday 5 Aug, 2024 Monday 19 Aug, 2024 English Based on VERANDA SUITE (AA) Viking Modi Not available in your region
• Monday 19 Aug, 2024 Monday 2 Sep, 2024 English Based on VERANDA SUITE (AA) Viking Skirnir Not available in your region
• Saturday 31 Aug, 2024 Saturday 14 Sep, 2024 English Based on VERANDA SUITE (AA) Viking Bragi Not available in your region
• Monday 2 Sep, 2024 Monday 16 Sep, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Modi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 11 Sep, 2024 Wednesday 25 Sep, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Lofn Not available in your region
• Friday 13 Sep, 2024 Friday 27 Sep, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Mimir Not available in your region
• Saturday 14 Sep, 2024 Saturday 28 Sep, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Skadi Not available in your region
• Sunday 15 Sep, 2024 Sunday 29 Sep, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Monday 16 Sep, 2024 Monday 30 Sep, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Skirnir Not available in your region
• Tuesday 24 Sep, 2024 Tuesday 8 Oct, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gefjon Not available in your region
• Wednesday 25 Sep, 2024 Wednesday 9 Oct, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Lif Not available in your region
• Thursday 26 Sep, 2024 Thursday 10 Oct, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vali Not available in your region
• Friday 27 Sep, 2024 Friday 11 Oct, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vili Not available in your region
• Saturday 28 Sep, 2024 Saturday 12 Oct, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Bragi Not available in your region
• Sunday 29 Sep, 2024 Sunday 13 Oct, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Monday 30 Sep, 2024 Monday 14 Oct, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Modi Not available in your region
• Tuesday 8 Oct, 2024 Tuesday 22 Oct, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Ve Not available in your region
• Wednesday 9 Oct, 2024 Wednesday 23 Oct, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vidar Not available in your region
• Thursday 10 Oct, 2024 Thursday 24 Oct, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Tir Not available in your region
• Friday 11 Oct, 2024 Friday 25 Oct, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Mimir Not available in your region
• Saturday 12 Oct, 2024 Saturday 26 Oct, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Skadi Not available in your region
• Sunday 13 Oct, 2024 Sunday 27 Oct, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Monday 14 Oct, 2024 Monday 28 Oct, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Skirnir Not available in your region
• Wednesday 16 Oct, 2024 Wednesday 30 Oct, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gymir Not available in your region
• Tuesday 22 Oct, 2024 Tuesday 5 Nov, 2024 English Based on FRENCH BALCONY (D) Viking Gefjon Not available in your region
• Wednesday 23 Oct, 2024 Wednesday 6 Nov, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Lofn Not available in your region
• Thursday 24 Oct, 2024 Thursday 7 Nov, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vali Not available in your region
• Friday 25 Oct, 2024 Friday 8 Nov, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vili Not available in your region
• Saturday 26 Oct, 2024 Saturday 9 Nov, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Bragi Not available in your region
• Sunday 27 Oct, 2024 Sunday 10 Nov, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Monday 28 Oct, 2024 Monday 11 Nov, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Modi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 30 Oct, 2024 Wednesday 13 Nov, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Egdir Not available in your region
• Tuesday 5 Nov, 2024 Tuesday 19 Nov, 2024 English Based on VERANDA (B) Viking Ve Not available in your region
• Thursday 7 Nov, 2024 Thursday 21 Nov, 2024 English Based on VERANDA (B) Viking Tir Not available in your region
• Friday 8 Nov, 2024 Friday 22 Nov, 2024 English Based on FRENCH BALCONY (D) Viking Mimir Not available in your region
• Saturday 9 Nov, 2024 Saturday 23 Nov, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Skadi Not available in your region
• Sunday 10 Nov, 2024 Sunday 24 Nov, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Monday 11 Nov, 2024 Monday 25 Nov, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Skirnir Not available in your region
• Wednesday 13 Nov, 2024 Wednesday 27 Nov, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gymir Not available in your region
• Thursday 21 Nov, 2024 Thursday 5 Dec, 2024 English Based on FRENCH BALCONY (D) Viking Vali Not available in your region
• Friday 22 Nov, 2024 Friday 6 Dec, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vili Not available in your region
• Monday 25 Nov, 2024 Monday 9 Dec, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Modi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 27 Nov, 2024 Wednesday 11 Dec, 2024 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Egdir Not available in your region
• Wednesday 11 Dec, 2024 Wednesday 25 Dec, 2024 English Based on FRENCH BALCONY (D) Viking Gymir Not available in your region
• Wednesday 12 Mar, 2025 Wednesday 26 Mar, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Lofn Not available in your region
• Friday 14 Mar, 2025 Friday 28 Mar, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Mimir Not available in your region
• Sunday 6 Apr, 2025 Sunday 20 Apr, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Wednesday 9 Apr, 2025 Wednesday 23 Apr, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vidar Not available in your region
• Thursday 10 Apr, 2025 Thursday 24 Apr, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vali Not available in your region
• Friday 11 Apr, 2025 Friday 25 Apr, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vili Not available in your region
• Saturday 12 Apr, 2025 Saturday 26 Apr, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Bragi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 16 Apr, 2025 Wednesday 30 Apr, 2025 English Based on EXPLORER SUITE (ES) Viking Egdir Not available in your region
• Sunday 20 Apr, 2025 Sunday 4 May, 2025 English Based on FRENCH BALCONY (D) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Tuesday 22 Apr, 2025 Tuesday 6 May, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Ve Not available in your region
• Wednesday 23 Apr, 2025 Wednesday 7 May, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Lofn Not available in your region
• Thursday 24 Apr, 2025 Thursday 8 May, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Tir Not available in your region
• Friday 25 Apr, 2025 Friday 9 May, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Mimir Not available in your region
• Saturday 26 Apr, 2025 Saturday 10 May, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Skadi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 30 Apr, 2025 Wednesday 14 May, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Gymir Not available in your region
• Sunday 4 May, 2025 Sunday 18 May, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Tuesday 6 May, 2025 Tuesday 20 May, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gefjon Not available in your region
• Wednesday 7 May, 2025 Wednesday 21 May, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vidar Not available in your region
• Thursday 8 May, 2025 Thursday 22 May, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vali Not available in your region
• Friday 9 May, 2025 Friday 23 May, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vili Not available in your region
• Saturday 10 May, 2025 Saturday 24 May, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Bragi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 14 May, 2025 Wednesday 28 May, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Egdir Not available in your region
• Sunday 18 May, 2025 Sunday 1 Jun, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Tuesday 20 May, 2025 Tuesday 3 Jun, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Ve Not available in your region
• Wednesday 21 May, 2025 Wednesday 4 Jun, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Lif Not available in your region
• Thursday 22 May, 2025 Thursday 5 Jun, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Tir Not available in your region
• Friday 23 May, 2025 Friday 6 Jun, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Mimir Not available in your region
• Saturday 24 May, 2025 Saturday 7 Jun, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Skadi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 28 May, 2025 Wednesday 11 Jun, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gymir Not available in your region
• Sunday 1 Jun, 2025 Sunday 15 Jun, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Tuesday 3 Jun, 2025 Tuesday 17 Jun, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gefjon Not available in your region
• Wednesday 4 Jun, 2025 Wednesday 18 Jun, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Lofn Not available in your region
• Thursday 5 Jun, 2025 Thursday 19 Jun, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vali Not available in your region
• Friday 6 Jun, 2025 Friday 20 Jun, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vili Not available in your region
• Saturday 7 Jun, 2025 Saturday 21 Jun, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Bragi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 11 Jun, 2025 Wednesday 25 Jun, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Egdir Not available in your region
• Sunday 15 Jun, 2025 Sunday 29 Jun, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Tuesday 17 Jun, 2025 Tuesday 1 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Ve Not available in your region
• Wednesday 18 Jun, 2025 Wednesday 2 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vidar Not available in your region
• Thursday 19 Jun, 2025 Thursday 3 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Tir Not available in your region
• Friday 20 Jun, 2025 Friday 4 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Mimir Not available in your region
• Saturday 21 Jun, 2025 Saturday 5 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Skadi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 25 Jun, 2025 Wednesday 9 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gymir Not available in your region
• Sunday 29 Jun, 2025 Sunday 13 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Tuesday 1 Jul, 2025 Tuesday 15 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Gefjon Not available in your region
• Wednesday 2 Jul, 2025 Wednesday 16 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Lif Not available in your region
• Thursday 3 Jul, 2025 Thursday 17 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vali Not available in your region
• Friday 4 Jul, 2025 Friday 18 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vili Not available in your region
• Saturday 5 Jul, 2025 Saturday 19 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Bragi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 9 Jul, 2025 Wednesday 23 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Egdir Not available in your region
• Sunday 13 Jul, 2025 Sunday 27 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Tuesday 15 Jul, 2025 Tuesday 29 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Ve Not available in your region
• Wednesday 16 Jul, 2025 Wednesday 30 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Lofn Not available in your region
• Thursday 17 Jul, 2025 Thursday 31 Jul, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Tir Not available in your region
• Friday 18 Jul, 2025 Friday 1 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Mimir Not available in your region
• Saturday 19 Jul, 2025 Saturday 2 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Skadi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 23 Jul, 2025 Wednesday 6 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gymir Not available in your region
• Sunday 27 Jul, 2025 Sunday 10 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Tuesday 29 Jul, 2025 Tuesday 12 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gefjon Not available in your region
• Wednesday 30 Jul, 2025 Wednesday 13 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vidar Not available in your region
• Thursday 31 Jul, 2025 Thursday 14 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vali Not available in your region
• Friday 1 Aug, 2025 Friday 15 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vili Not available in your region
• Saturday 2 Aug, 2025 Saturday 16 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Bragi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 6 Aug, 2025 Wednesday 20 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Egdir Not available in your region
• Sunday 10 Aug, 2025 Sunday 24 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Tuesday 12 Aug, 2025 Tuesday 26 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Ve Not available in your region
• Wednesday 13 Aug, 2025 Wednesday 27 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Lif Not available in your region
• Thursday 14 Aug, 2025 Thursday 28 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Tir Not available in your region
• Friday 15 Aug, 2025 Friday 29 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Mimir Not available in your region
• Saturday 16 Aug, 2025 Saturday 30 Aug, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Skadi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 20 Aug, 2025 Wednesday 3 Sep, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Gymir Not available in your region
• Sunday 24 Aug, 2025 Sunday 7 Sep, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Tuesday 26 Aug, 2025 Tuesday 9 Sep, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gefjon Not available in your region
• Wednesday 27 Aug, 2025 Wednesday 10 Sep, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Lofn Not available in your region
• Thursday 28 Aug, 2025 Thursday 11 Sep, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vali Not available in your region
• Friday 29 Aug, 2025 Friday 12 Sep, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vili Not available in your region
• Saturday 30 Aug, 2025 Saturday 13 Sep, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Bragi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 3 Sep, 2025 Wednesday 17 Sep, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Egdir Not available in your region
• Sunday 7 Sep, 2025 Sunday 21 Sep, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Tuesday 9 Sep, 2025 Tuesday 23 Sep, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Ve Not available in your region
• Wednesday 10 Sep, 2025 Wednesday 24 Sep, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vidar Not available in your region
• Thursday 11 Sep, 2025 Thursday 25 Sep, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Tir Not available in your region
• Friday 12 Sep, 2025 Friday 26 Sep, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Mimir Not available in your region
• Saturday 13 Sep, 2025 Saturday 27 Sep, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Skadi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 17 Sep, 2025 Wednesday 1 Oct, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gymir Not available in your region
• Sunday 21 Sep, 2025 Sunday 5 Oct, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Tuesday 23 Sep, 2025 Tuesday 7 Oct, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gefjon Not available in your region
• Wednesday 24 Sep, 2025 Wednesday 8 Oct, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Lif Not available in your region
• Thursday 25 Sep, 2025 Thursday 9 Oct, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vali Not available in your region
• Friday 26 Sep, 2025 Friday 10 Oct, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vili Not available in your region
• Saturday 27 Sep, 2025 Saturday 11 Oct, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Bragi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 1 Oct, 2025 Wednesday 15 Oct, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Egdir Not available in your region
• Sunday 5 Oct, 2025 Sunday 19 Oct, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Tuesday 7 Oct, 2025 Tuesday 21 Oct, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Ve Not available in your region
• Wednesday 8 Oct, 2025 Wednesday 22 Oct, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Lofn Not available in your region
• Thursday 9 Oct, 2025 Thursday 23 Oct, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Tir Not available in your region
• Friday 10 Oct, 2025 Friday 24 Oct, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Mimir Not available in your region
• Saturday 11 Oct, 2025 Saturday 25 Oct, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Skadi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 15 Oct, 2025 Wednesday 29 Oct, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gymir Not available in your region
• Sunday 19 Oct, 2025 Sunday 2 Nov, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Tuesday 21 Oct, 2025 Tuesday 4 Nov, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gefjon Not available in your region
• Wednesday 22 Oct, 2025 Wednesday 5 Nov, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vidar Not available in your region
• Thursday 23 Oct, 2025 Thursday 6 Nov, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vali Not available in your region
• Friday 24 Oct, 2025 Friday 7 Nov, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vili Not available in your region
• Saturday 25 Oct, 2025 Saturday 8 Nov, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Bragi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 29 Oct, 2025 Wednesday 12 Nov, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Egdir Not available in your region
• Sunday 2 Nov, 2025 Sunday 16 Nov, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Tuesday 4 Nov, 2025 Tuesday 18 Nov, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Ve Not available in your region
• Wednesday 5 Nov, 2025 Wednesday 19 Nov, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Lif Not available in your region
• Thursday 6 Nov, 2025 Thursday 20 Nov, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Tir Not available in your region
• Friday 7 Nov, 2025 Friday 21 Nov, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Mimir Not available in your region
• Saturday 8 Nov, 2025 Saturday 22 Nov, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Skadi Not available in your region
• Wednesday 12 Nov, 2025 Wednesday 26 Nov, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Gymir Not available in your region
• Sunday 16 Nov, 2025 Sunday 30 Nov, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Friday 21 Nov, 2025 Friday 5 Dec, 2025 English Based on STANDARD (E) Viking Vili Not available in your region
• Sunday 3 May, 2026 Sunday 17 May, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Wednesday 6 May, 2026 Wednesday 20 May, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vidar Not available in your region
• Sunday 17 May, 2026 Sunday 31 May, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Wednesday 20 May, 2026 Wednesday 3 Jun, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Lif Not available in your region
• Sunday 31 May, 2026 Sunday 14 Jun, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Sunday 14 Jun, 2026 Sunday 28 Jun, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Wednesday 17 Jun, 2026 Wednesday 1 Jul, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vidar Not available in your region
• Sunday 28 Jun, 2026 Sunday 12 Jul, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Wednesday 1 Jul, 2026 Wednesday 15 Jul, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Lif Not available in your region
• Sunday 12 Jul, 2026 Sunday 26 Jul, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Sunday 26 Jul, 2026 Sunday 9 Aug, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Wednesday 29 Jul, 2026 Wednesday 12 Aug, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vidar Not available in your region
• Sunday 9 Aug, 2026 Sunday 23 Aug, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Wednesday 12 Aug, 2026 Wednesday 26 Aug, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Lif Not available in your region
• Sunday 23 Aug, 2026 Sunday 6 Sep, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Sunday 6 Sep, 2026 Sunday 20 Sep, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Wednesday 9 Sep, 2026 Wednesday 23 Sep, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vidar Not available in your region
• Sunday 20 Sep, 2026 Sunday 4 Oct, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Wednesday 23 Sep, 2026 Wednesday 7 Oct, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Lif Not available in your region
• Sunday 4 Oct, 2026 Sunday 18 Oct, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Sunday 18 Oct, 2026 Sunday 1 Nov, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• Wednesday 21 Oct, 2026 Wednesday 4 Nov, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Vidar Not available in your region
• Sunday 1 Nov, 2026 Sunday 15 Nov, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Baldur Not available in your region
• Wednesday 4 Nov, 2026 Wednesday 18 Nov, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Lif Not available in your region
• Sunday 15 Nov, 2026 Sunday 29 Nov, 2026 English Based on STANDARD (F) Viking Magni Not available in your region
• 191 Other Unavailable Departures

Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

• Currencies € Euro Austria, Germany and Netherlands Ft Forint Hungary

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Austria, Germany and Hungary. Ideally 6 months before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Hungary. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Hungary. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before September 19th, 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after September 19th, 2024, a minimum payment of $0 is required to confirm your booking with Viking Cruises. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 125 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• The following cards are accepted for "Viking Cruises" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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A Complete Guide to Cruising to Passau, Germany

P assau, Germany, is a gem in the heart of Europe that tourists often overlook. A trip to Passau is a must for any traveler who enjoys culture, history, and architecture. This charming city is a part of the Romantic Road, one of the most scenic drives that can be taken via a road trip. But did you know that you could cruise along the Danube River to reach Passau? In this blog post, we will provide a complete guide to cruising to Passau, Germany, and what to see or do in the city, as I did with Viking River Cruises.

Where is Passau?

Passau is a city in the southeastern part of Germany where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet, hence its nickname, “The City of Three Rivers.” The city is known for its baroque architecture, cathedrals, museums, and shopping.

The Danube River currently has a dozen or more cruise ships and three river cruise lines that depart from Passau: UniWorld,  Viking River Cruises , and CroisiEurope. River cruises typically dock in the city’s center, and passengers can easily explore the city on foot. Several other cruise lines stop in Passau as one of their ports of call. 

Passau Attractions

St. Stephan’s Cathedral , also known as Dom Sankt Stephan and Stadt Passau, is a must-see attraction in Passau. This stunning white Baroque cathedral with green domes is in the heart of Old Town. Inside, you will find impressive 17th-century decor and hand-painted frescoes. Notably, the cathedral houses the world’s largest organ, boasting 17,000 pipes. Its architectural splendor and the allure of the grand organ draw organ enthusiasts from around the world.

The  Veste Oberhaus Fortress  is another tourist attraction that offers breathtaking views of the city and the Danube River. My friend and I took a taxi there for the ultimate pictures of the whole city. The Bavarian kings used the fortress, which later served as a prison and is now a museum that showcases Passau’s history.

For those interested in history, visiting the Passau Glass Museum is a must. This museum showcases glasswork from the 18th to 21st centuries and offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe the art of glassblowing.

Passau also has several markets where travelers can purchase souvenirs and locally-produced goods. I found Passau to have the best souvenirs of my whole Danube River Cruise (with Viking River Cruises) and definitely the best prices.

The Passau Christmas market, held annually, is worth a visit. This popular event showcases Christmas decor, handmade gifts, and traditional delicacies.

My Favorite Things to See and Do in Passau

My cruise partner and lifelong friend, Angie, and I had a blast checking out Passau on foot. We explored Old Town (Altstadt) on our own and with the Viking-guided tour. On our own, we strolled the streets, soaking in the enchanting scenery, and shopped some local boutiques. Colorful flowering plants adorn the town and riverbanks, adding to its charm.

We even visited the local shopping mall, purchasing strawberry wine and chocolates for a tasty cruise stateroom treat.

Angie and I couldn’t resist capturing the town’s picturesque Italian Baroque architecture and stunning scenery with the zoom option on our cameras. Notably, Passau’s 14th-century Rathaus (City Hall), adorned with captivating painted frescoes, is located in this area.

The beauty of Passau’s scenery is simply breathtaking.

Tasty Dishes to Try in Passau

Passau is also a foodie’s paradise, with many restaurants serving traditional Bavarian cuisine. The city is known for its white asparagus, typically served with potatoes and hollandaise sauce.

Take advantage of the opportunity to try Passau’s exceptional beer, as the city is home to numerous breweries. The  Löwenbräu beer factory offers a variety of beer styles, and my friend Angie and I recognized that beer from the States. We had the pleasure of enjoying a cold draft beer at a cafe table by the Danube River.

It was a truly memorable moment: the delicious Löwenbräu beer, perfect weather, exploring a new city, and people-watching. 

For those with a sweet tooth, the Bavarian cream, a dessert made with rich custard and whipped cream, is a must-try. You may also want to  Simon Cafe , a shop renowned for its delectable gingerbread treats, known as lebkuchen in Germany. It is sinfully delicious! 

What a Way to Start Your River Cruise

Cruising to Passau, Germany, provides travelers with a unique way to discover this amazing city in the heart of Europe. Passau offers a range of attractions that cater to travelers with different interests, from history to culture to shopping. We hope our guide will provide enough information to include Passau on your  next European trip .

Read more about river cruising and cruise posts here:

Viking Rhine River Cruise

Eastern Caribbean Cruise

The Cruise Ports of Germany: What to Expect

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7 of the best river cruises around the world for 2024

A cruise holiday isn’t always about setting sail across vast oceans. For an alternative type of break on the water, winding your way inland might sound similar but it’s a vastly different experience.

From crossing deep into the untouched areas of the Amazon rainforest to exploring some of Europe ’s finest cities, the river cruise experience is one that allows tourists to get to grips with the history, culture and tradition of a destination in a slow, immersive fashion.

This could be in the form of sampling Creole cuisine in Mississippi or discovering historic sites in Vietnam , but whatever it is, there’s plenty of choice across Europe , Asia , South America and North America .

Read on for a selection of the best cruises, from the Mississippi to the Mekong.

Europe’s second longest river – and arguably its most famous – river takes you through amazing capital cities and host of charming towns, as well as plenty of scenic countryside in Austria , Hungary , Slovakia and Romania. Cruises along the Danube can vary from a handful of days to almost three weeks, giving you time to explore the elegance of cities like Vienna , Budapest, Bratislava or Belgrade.

Emerald Cruises lets you see the best of the Danube with the addition of a hefty dose of traditional German culture in Munich. Leaving the Bavarian capital, you’ll travel to Passau before a quick cross-border trip to the Unesco-listed Czech city of Cesky Krumlov. Vienna is the next city, replete with opulent architecture, before a quick overnight stay in Bratislava on the sixth night. Guided tours and hikes around the castle are included, before you get three nights to explore Budapest, the Hungarian capital that is blessed with picturesque buildings, relaxed thermal baths and a buzzing nightlife scene.

From £1,999pp, including nine nights’ accommodation, full board, tours of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest and airport transfers. Departing 7 May 2024 to 20 October 2024.

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This famous river runs for over 4,000 miles throughout South America and is a major part of the eponymous rainforest, one of the most biodiverse and important natural areas on the planet. A river cruise remains the best way to reach deeper into the jungle, with many cruises beginning in the northern Brazilian city of Manaus or in the Peruvian city of Lima.

Start in Peru’s enchanting capital with the Peruvian Rivers and Rainforest Discovery cruise from Uniworld. You’ll fly to Iquitos, the largest city in the Amazon as your next stop, before delving into some of the most remote areas in the world as you take to the waters. From here, nature takes centre stage, with a variety of experiences – including jungle walks and kayaking on a lake – added to the enjoyment of natural features such as giant lilies, towering barrigona trees and around 10 per cent of the world’s known animal species.

From £8,799pp, including 10 nights’ accommodation, full board, return flights from London, domestic flights and various excursions. Departing regularly from 17 January until 6 November 2024.

Start in  Cairo  and make your way down to Aswan over a few days (though many shorter routes operate between  Aswan and Luxor  only). For a relaxing way to take in riverside scenery and some of Egypt’s most important historical sites, a river cruise is the ideal choice.

AP Touring’s  Egypt Discovery  trip takes you on a round trip from Cairo. You’ll cross thousands of years of history, starting with West Bank the Valley of the Kings, before a short flight to Aswan to explore Abu Simbel and a sighting of the landmark Pyramids of Giza near the Egyptian capital. The scenery along the route is exceptional, too, with palm trees, green spaces and mini oases dotted in between the yellow-hued rock.

From £6,995pp, including 12 nights’ accommodation, 30 meals (including unlimited local beer and wine) return flights from London Heathrow, domestic flights within Egypt and activities in each of the 10 destinations. Departing regularly from September 2024 to April 2025.

Exploring this land of castles and fairytales is a worthwhile European trip, with tours often starting in the pretty Dutch capital of Amsterdam and weaving across the German and French countryside, with the route broken up by cities such as Cologne, Dusseldorf and Strasbourg. Many of the towns located on the banks of the Rhine, such as Koblenz, are incredibly picturesque, with a range of medieval castles and natural sites like the Black Forest also featuring.

Ama Waterways provide a seven-night cruise that runs from Basel to Amsterdam. Get your cultural fix at either end of your trip in either of these two cities, before admiring the vistas around the Rhine Valley, the medieval castles that loom over towns like Heidelberg and the timber-framed buildings that line the streets of Riquewihr and Strasbourg. Stops in both Freiburg and Dusseldorf are also included, as well as an optional excursion to Cologne.

From £2,399pp, including seven nights’ accommodation, full board and tours in each destination. Departing regularly between 18 February and 28 December 2024.

The views around the Douro Valley are some of the best in Portugal , whether you’re sitting by the banks in Porto or admiring the verdant hills and vineyards around Pinhao. This region, well-known for its port production, has cruises lasting roughly one week that usually begin and end in Porto – where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean – with a brief crossing over into Spain and Salamanca.

The Riviera Travel package offers an affordable eight-day Douro option starting and ending in Porto , with two nights to explore Portugal’s magnificent second city (and to go on a guided tour of a well-known port producer). Days three and four take you to sleepy Castelo de Rodrigo and the historic Spanish city of Salamanca (with guided tours and time to explore at your leisure) before traversing the cascading vineyards of the valley on your way back to Porto via the beautiful Peso de Regua (and a local wine tasting).

From £1,599pp, including seven nights’ accommodation, full board, flights from a London airport, one excursion one each day and airport transfers. Departing regularly from 7 April 2024.

The Mississippi

Discovering the Deep South is often done by car, but with new routes recently from Viking Cruises, exploring Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota and Tennessee has never been more idyllic. The famed cities of New Orleans and Memphis can bookend your tour, with lesser-known locations such as Baton Rouge, Natchez and Darrow making up the other stops.

Opt for Viking’s ‘Heart of the Delta’ cruise to if you really want to immerse yourself in the Deep South. The cruise begins with a few days exploring the French influences and Creole cuisine of New Orleans , before moving on to Baton Rouge – a haven of Creole and Cajun culture – and then onto Natchez, the oldest city on the river. You’ll travel through other towns on the Mississippi – complete with walking tours or excursions to the Atchafalaya Swamp basin – before reaching Memphis, the atmospheric home of blues music.

From £6,545pp, including 12 nights’ accommodation, full board, return flights from London and one excursion per destination. Departing weekly from March 7 until 13 June, with additional departures on 7 November and 13 November.

The Mekong flows through a host of Asia’s most fascinating countries, including Vietnam , Thailand , China and Cambodia. Most cruises only take in parts of Vietnam and Cambodia , though this mix of floating fishing villages, traditional markets and the two capitals of Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh will be enough for most travellers. With Avalon Waterways , you’ll combine energetic, modern cities with some of the most vibrant culture in Asia and a history that is equal parts sobering and fascinating.

It starts in Siem Reap, site of the Angkor Wat temple, before moving on to the Cambodian capital, where you can learn about the dictatorship of Pol Pot and visit several must-see landmarks. After this, Vietnam beckons, with a visit to the dizzying Ho Chi Minh City to see its admirable architecture. Visits to markets, old Vietnam War tunnels, temples and cooking classes are dotted in between these city trips for good measure, with stops at characterful towns like Vinh Long, too.

From £4,229pp, including seven nights’ accommodation, full board and activities on each day of the trip. Departing regularly from 15 January to 11 March and from 12 August to 2 December 2024.

Read more: Best hotels in Europe: Where to stay for a city, beach or retreat break

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